The City of Whitewater is sad to share the resignation of Judge Patrick Taylor. Judge Taylor has served the community with distinction, dedicating five years to upholding justice as a municipal judge. We thank him for his service and are excited for him on his new adventure.
In light of this resignation, the City of Whitewater is actively seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacant position of judge. Applications are now being accepted and will remain open until April 26th. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their letter of intent, resume, and three references promptly to be considered for this vital role in our community.
Following the application deadline, candidates selected for consideration must attend a special council meeting scheduled for May 1st at 6:00 p.m. At this meeting, candidates will have the opportunity to participate in interviews conducted by the Common Council and the Council will appoint a judge that night. Our intent is that the newly appointed judge will have the opportunity to attend New Municipal Judge Orientation, May 7-10, 2024 in Appleton.
A special election for the municipal judge will be held on November 5 together with the Presidential Election. The successful candidate will be expected to complete the unexpired term which ends in April, 2026.
Qualified individuals interested in applying for the position of Judge in the City of Whitewater must submit their application to the Chief of Staff, Becky Magestro at bmagestro@whitewater-wi.gov Any questions, please call at 262-473-0101.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the city of Whitewater. Per state statute, a qualified candidate must be an elector in the city. Although municipal judges are generally attorneys, it is not a legal requirement of the city. A previous post regarding the resignation of Patrick Taylor may be viewed here.
Landmark Trek has found out, through its own investigation, that our Whitewater Landmarks were not originally delivered to the city of Whitewater by the stork. On the contrary, there is an organization in Whitewater that actually takes care of this work. The details are in the new Landmark Trek video below – take a gander!
Reynolds’ Rummage Sale 12240 E. Bradley Road Whitewater, WI Friday April 19th. 9-6pm. Sat. April 20th. 9-2pm Rain or shine! A lot of like new/new in the box Baby gear, 2-12” girl’s bikes, Lg. galvanized outdoor pots, adult clothes, dishwasher, household items and decorations!
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.
Update at 12:30 p.m. on 4/18: On April 18 the Rock County Sheriff’s Office reported that one of the adult female passengers of the van who was medically transported from the crash had succumbed to her injuries in the early morning hours of that day. The identity of this victim will be released later. The investigation is still ongoing.
On April 17 the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office released the names of the persons who were pronounced deceased on the scene of a crash involving three motor vehicles on April 13, 2024. The crash occurred at the intersection of US Highway 12 and East County Line Road. Further details about the incident may be found in this article on the Whitewater Banner.
Preliminary results of the forensic examinations found that the following people died from injuries sustained in the crash:
It was indicated that additional testing is underway and that the incident is still under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department.
“The Sweet Science of Bruising” by Joy Wilkinson, directed by Sara J. Griffin, brings you into the world of women’s underground boxing in London, 1865.
Follow the lives of four courageous women as they step into the ring to fight for their independence, dignity, and empowerment. With heart-pounding action, compelling characters, and a thrilling blend of athleticism and drama, this extraordinary production puts the fight for equality center stage. Don’t miss your chance to witness the raw power of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit in this knockout theatrical event!
This play contains scenes depicting domestic violence and discussion of female circumcision that some may find troubling. It is intended for adult audiences and mature sensibilities.
Friday, April 19 – 7:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, April 20-21 – 2:00 p.m. Thurs., Fri., & Saturday, April 25, 26 & 27 – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available in advance through Ticket Services. Adults – $17, Age 65+ – $15, Under 18 – $12. There is a $2.00 surcharge for tickets purchased at the event.
Students at WHS achieve the school’s highest ACT scores since 2018-2019
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Whitewater High School juniors have achieved the highest composite ACT score the school has reached since 2018-2019. They achieved an average composite score of 19.1 as compared to a composite average score of 17.2 last year, an 11% increase year over year. The 2024 state average composite score is 19.4. 27% of the WHS students met or exceeded three or more college readiness benchmark scores—an 8% increase from the previous year.
This celebration did not come without work and a plan. This year, the WHS staff implemented a three-pronged campaign with students to address skill development, attendance improvement, and test preparation tools. Utilizing a College Equipped Readiness Tool (CERT) program, which took the guesswork out of establishing benchmark scores, it allowed staff to focus on areas of improvement to set student improvement goals, and gave students individualized assessment practice where they needed it. WHS also emphasized the importance of attendance, working with families to eliminate barriers in getting to school, and implemented an exam exemption incentive plan that students could achieve by setting personal improvement goals.
“Our students’ outstanding performance on the 2024 ACT is a testament to the innovative spirit around success that we have at the high school; our educators are committed to continuous improvement,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District. “We proudly celebrate their academic success and commitment to reaching their full potential.”
The ACT is an in-person assessment designed to measure the academic readiness of 11th-grade students in English, math, reading, science, and writing. The ACT provides benchmarks to categorize students as college-ready or below college-ready. Students can use their ACT scores for various purposes, including college admission, scholarships, course placement, and even NCAA eligibility.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
The Whitewater community has the opportunity to help fill the shelves of local food pantries to serve those in need on Saturday, May 11. There are two ways to donate food and help our hungry neighbors.
– For more than 30 years, USPS has conducted an annual nationwide food drive on the second Saturday of May- the largest one-day food drive in the country. In Whitewater, the food drive is supported by the Hunger Task Force to help the Whitewater Food Pantry. Residents will be receiving postcards and/or plastic bags in the mail as a reminder of the food drive. Just put your nonperishable contribution in or near your mailbox on Saturday, May 11, and your mail carrier will take the food to the Whitewater Food Pantry. Questions? Laurie Giorno, lead volunteer in Whitewater, can be reached at 262-903-9416.
– The Community Space in Whitewater has been in operation for just five years, but has already ramped up to give out more than 300,000 pounds of food a year through its collaboration with Feeding America and other organizations and its dozens of volunteers. Whitewater Unites Lives is hosting the food drive at the Community Space this year to help meet the increased demand TCS has experienced. To help, bring your nonperishable donations to TCS on 834 East Milwaukee St., drive around the back, and WUL volunteers will happily collect your donation from your car between 8:30 and 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. Questions? WUL co-founder Rosalinda Martinez can be reached at 920-222-0749 and co-founder Marjorie Stoneman can be reached at 414-861-4126.
Suggested donations to both pantries include peanut butter, jelly, individual packets of oatmeal, canned tuna, dried cereal, canned fruits and canned vegetables.
Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
PERRY DOUGLAS MOYER, 91of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at Fort Memorial Hospital surrounded by family on April 8, 2024.
He was born to John and Myrtle (Brokmeier) Moyer in Whitewater on March 23, 1933.
Perry grew up farming most of his life. He graduated from Whitewater High School in the class of 1950. Perry married Dorothy Kramer on October 25, 1958 at St. Patrick Catholic Church by the late Father Berry. Perry served in the Army from March of 1958 where he served 16 months in Germany.
Perry’s Ayrshire cattle played a large part in his life, leading to a lot of friendships and memories. He was a lifetime member of the National Ayrshire Association. Perry loved to show his Ayrshire cattle almost as much as he loved to watch his children and grandchildren show them at many shows. Perry’s cattle won awards at the local, state and national level including World Dairy Expo, Royal Agriculture Winter Fair, and North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Perry had many All-American heifers and cows; he was a well-known Ayrshire breeder not only in WI but all over the U.S. and Canada. During the 1985 National Convention in Wisconsin, his family held a farm tour. In 1999 he received the A.C. “Whitie” Thompson Memorial Award which is presented to the herdsman/showman who exhibits exemplary leadership and sportsmanship throughout the current World Dairy Expo.
On September 8, 2001, the Moy-Ayr herd dispersal took place. Perry had an impressive sale average of $3524. At the time of the dispersal, he held the highest selling Ayrshire on public auction at $15,000. In 2004, Perry had the Grand Champion Ayrshire at World Dairy Expo, Moy-Ayr Bonaparte Licorice. In 2007, Perry and Dorothy were honored as the Master Breeders at the Illinois Convention. In 2012, Perry and Dorothy were co-chairs of the National Convention in WI where breeders came from all over the U.S. and Canada. Perry served six years on the Wisconsin Ayrshire Board of Directors. Two different years Perry’s cattle were selected for the Hoard’s Dairyman Judging contest. Perry and Dorothy also attended over 30 National Ayrshire Conventions all the way to Maine and down to Oklahoma.
Perry was a big fan of watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and the Wisconsin Men’s Basketball team and he had a love for polka music.
Perry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; children Mary (Tim) Gillette of Whitewater and Pauline (Steve) Schmidt of Delavan; grandchildren Rebecca and Emily Schmidt of Delavan and Katie Gillette of Whitewater. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.
Perry is preceded in death by his son, Gary; mother and father John and Myrtle (Brockmeier) Moyer; sisters Jeannette Travis, Beaulah Brotz and Olive Martin; brothers Chester at age 2, Russ, Art, John and Phil Moyer; grandparents and his in-laws Les and Ruth Kramer.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service.
Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. A gathering at Cravath Lakefront in Whitewater will follow the burial.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF.)
The Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) has announced that the Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) was the recipient of the WCF Action Grant from last fall, and has received $3,500 for website design and development improvements with more accessible materials and clear, simple navigation in both Spanish and English. The grant will also aid in completing the poster project and finishing the Community Resource Wall in the Dental Office.
Olivia Nichols, CEO and Executive Director of the Rock River Community Clinic, said, “We are so grateful for the support of the Whitewater Community Foundation to advance these two projects at RRCC, both of which will support our efforts to continue finding effective ways to support our patients. Partnership support is critical to our organization’s overall community outreach and education efforts, and we are incredibly appreciative of the WCF’s willingness to serve in this partnership capacity for our organization.”
The Rock River Community Clinic was the recipient of the Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant last Fall. Pictured here left to right are Roni Telfer of the Whitewater Community Foundation (WCF) , Olivia Nichols of Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC), Kat Mawhinney of WCF, Traci Wilson of RRCC and Jay Craggs of WCF. Photo credit: Tom Ganser.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted. BadgerCare (Medicaid) and Medicare are accepted at all RRCC locations and help support RRCC operations and services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), RRCC receives higher reimbursement rates for BadgerCare and Medicare payer groups, which helps cover discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). Many commercial insurance groups are also accepted at RRCC, and further support the mission.
Care coordination services are also available at RRCC to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare, including prescription assistance programs, transportation support, and behavioral health referrals. Care Navigators also assist in enrolling eligible families in BadgerCare to attain needed health insurance for individuals, families, and children. Over one-third of RRCC medical staff are bilingual (Spanish & English) to further support patient care and communication.
By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and providing care coordination services, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visitwww.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
Rock River is one of many organizations that have received Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant funds over the years. The next grant application process deadline is April 30.
Qualified projects should be intended for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes that will benefit and improve the greater Whitewater community. Consideration will also be made based on the results of the 2023 Civic Summit, when more than 30 community members, business leaders, educators, nonprofit organizers, and others determined key areas for improvement in Whitewater:
Communicating to Whitewater’s diverse population in English and Spanish, making signage bilingual, coordinating communication to all groups, and providing opportunities for people of different backgrounds, age groups, etc. to integrate to help meet community needs;
Housing assistance, affordability and accessibility for families and professionals seeking to purchase homes;
Marketing Whitewater by coordinating and cross-pollinating events, calendars and volunteer opportunities.
Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. Interested organizations can find more information and fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bx6_oS4QSIAeR3BoVjNTeVJfQzg
The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2024.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”
