News

VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT

Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may submit a request to vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who:

• will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
• has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.  

The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued*.  

Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail

Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may make written application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov.  

Your written request must include:

1. your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote
2. the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different from the address above 
3. your signature   
4. a copy of your photo identification*

The deadline for making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail is 5 pm on the fifth day before the election, November 3, 2022.

*Voters who are indefinitely confined due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability may not be required to provide photo ID. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.

**Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.

Voting an absentee ballot in person

You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.

CITY OF WHITEWATER

Michele R. Smith, Clerk

312 W. Whitewater St.

Whitewater, WI 53190

(Phone) 262 473-0102

Hours:  Mon – Fri 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

TOWN OF COLD SPRING

Lisa Griep, Clerk

W3497 Vannoy Rd.

Whitewater, WI I 53190

(262) 473-6228

Absentee Hours by Appt.

TOWN OF LAGRANGE

Crystal Hoffmann, Clerk

P.O. Box 359

Whitewater, WI 53190

(262) 495-8200

Absentee Hours by Appt.

TOWN OF LIMA

Pam Hookstead, Clerk

11053 Willow Drive

Whitewater, WI 53190

(262) 473-8515

Absentee Hours by Appt. 

TOWN OF RICHMOND

Barb Ceas, Clerk

Mail:  W8776 Territorial Rd.

Whitewater, WI 53190

(608) 883-2017

Town Hall W9046 County Road A

Thursday, 11/3, 6 to 8 pm

Saturday, 11/5, 9 am to 12 pm

Or by appointment

TOWN OF WHITEWATER
(Also see the larger announcement at end of this article.)

Jorja Boiley, Clerk

W8590 Willis Ray Road

Whitewater, WI 53190

(262) 473-4639

10/27/22:  10 am – 2 pm

10/29/22:  9 am – 12 pm

11/1/22:  12 pm – 3 pm

The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: October 25, 2022

The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: November 5, 2022

No in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election. The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on November 8, 2022  Any ballots received after the polls close will not be counted.

BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 1 & 2 (PDF)

BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 3, 4, 5 (PDF)

BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 6, 7, 8 (PDF)

BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 9 & 10 (PDF)

BALLOT SAMPLE 2022 WARDS 11, 12, 13 (PDF)

Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club.

One week ago, Kiwanians Patrick Taylor, Steve Ryan, Lynn Binnie, Al Stanek, Rosalinda Martinez and Marjorie Stoneman picked up garbage on Highway 12 near La Grange as part of the Adopt-A-Highway Program via the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. Over the past five years the club raised funds to make possible the recent installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park.  Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.

If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join our Club by contacting Patrick Taylor at Petaylor.law@gmail.com.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Happy Halloween! On Halloween, walking near or in a cemetery is a spooky experience, so here’s a view that you can enjoy without getting scared.

This is one of the glass plate negatives in the Scholl Collection of images taken between 1890 and 1910. Henry Scholl was fascinated with Hillside Cemetery and there are about a dozen or more Hillside images in the Scholl collection, but only one of Oak Grove Cemetery and this is it. It shows the elaborate and beautiful cast iron fence that once graced the cemetery along with the large entrance arch. Today, only the arch and pillars are standing.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3981GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At a special meeting on October 26 the City of Whitewater Common Council voted unanimously after closed session deliberation to appoint John Weidl as city manager effective November 7. Councilmember Brienne Brown was absent. Weidl has served as interim city manager since this past August under a contract between the city and GovHR USA Temps, with a term that ends on November 4. Cameron Clapper, who had served as city manager since 2012, resigned in August to take the position of county administrator in Dodge County.

After a weeks’ long process that included the assistance of GovHR USA in conducting a national search, phone interviews and video interviews, the council presented three final candidates. Weidl was selected along with finalists David Porter and James Palenick for a full day interview Friday, October 21^st. The day consisted of interviews with the city staff and city stakeholders along with a tour of the community and a meet and greet for citizens. The Common Council interviewed the candidates on Saturday, October 22^nd and received information from other interview panels.

According to a press release, “His [Weidl’s] ability to begin in August and jump on board with many projects including the upcoming EMS staffing referendum was a great attribute when making the decision to bring him to Whitewater.”

“We welcome Mr. Weidl as the new City Manager for Whitewater,” Common Council President, Lisa Dawsey Smith stated. “The Council took this decision very seriously and feels that Mr. Weidl is the candidate best qualified for this role for the City of Whitewater. We trust that Mr. Weidl will bring his experience, abilities, and energy to work diligently and passionately for the City of Whitewater.”

“Like every community, Whitewater is facing a number of challenges, and we feel that Mr. Weidl has the drive to tackle projects head-on and a desire to get results for the betterment of the entire community,” stated Dawsey Smith. “His experience and knowledge in local government, especially economic development, should prove to be an asset to our city.”

The city’s Economic Development Director position has been vacant since Cathy Anderson’s departure in the summer. Dawsey Smith told the Banner that now that the manager position has been filled, she anticipates that a search will soon be commenced for the economic development role.

According to the employment agreement that the Council approved, Weidl’s annual salary will be $115,000, increasing by 4% to $119,600 effective January 1, 2023. Thereafter future increases “will be tied to performance reviews…If there is no action by the City Council on the City Manager’s salary, he shall receive the same percentage increase in base salary that is given across the board to other non-union City employees.” The agreement stipulates that the manager shall serve at pleasure to the Council, and may be terminated at any time without cause or for just cause. In the case of just cause, he would receive no severance. If he is removed without just cause after180 days of employment or thereafter, he will receive six months of salary and continuation of health insurance. If the manager resigns, he must provide 60 days’ written notice.

Weidl resides in the Town of LaFayette, located in the Elkhorn Area School District, and currently serves as a town supervisor. He previously was employed by the Village of Mukwonago for nearly eight years, initially as Village Administrator but ultimately also wearing the hat of Director of Economic Development. Prior to that he served as City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer and Director of Public Works for the City of Princeton, Wisconsin. John is a decorated United States Air Force Combat Veteran with tours of duty in Europe and Middle East. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/European History, and from the same school with a Master of Public Administration.

On his LinkedIn page, John describes himself as a “transformational public-sector leader” and “economic development expert.” In Mukwonago he “established, facilitated, and managed development projects totaling over $350 million,” utilizing Tax Increment Financing.

When given the opportunity to respond to the council’s decision, Weidl shared the following comment. “Thank you to the community members, staff and elected officials that participated in the process of choosing the City’s next manager. I’ve enjoyed the previous two months serving as the Interim City Manager, particularly finding value touring the community and discussing the Fire & EMS referendum as an entryway to learning more about the needs and opportunities of Whitewater while meeting several hundred community members and dozens of local organizations.”

“I’m excited to bring my expertise in economic development, energy, and enthusiasm to Whitewater as we look to increase opportunities for public outreach, communication and collaboration with local partners,” Weidl continued. “On the morning of November 7^th, I will be available at the SweetSpot, next to City Hall, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. as a first opportunity to re-introduce myself to the community as the permanent City Manager. Coffee and pastries will be provided for anyone who wishes to attend. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.”

The press release concludes, “The Common Council extends gratitude to the various constituencies involved with the success of the hiring process including the community, members of staff, Lee Szymborski from GovHRUSA and Mike Earle from GovHRUSA Temps.”

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from Whitewater High School.

Congratulations Kindyl Kilar for being selected by the Whitewater High School Faculty & Staff as the Class of 2023 Outstanding Citizen!  Kindyl will be participating in the DAR Good Citizen Program and scholarship competition this fall.  She will be honored with her parents at a Spring Awards Luncheon hosted by the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce DAR.  WHS is so proud of you!! 

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Rock River Community Clinic.

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) has recently announced the hiring of Dawn Kiernan
as the new Dental Operations Manager for their Dental Clinic in Fort Atkinson.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dawn into this important leadership position at RRCC,” states Olivia
Nichols, CEO/Executive Director of Rock River Community Clinic. “Our dental clinic has a strong
reputation of providing high quality dental services to families in need and expanding access to
dental care in our region. Dawn’s expertise and passion for dental care will assist our entire
organization as we continue to grow and serve our communities.”

Kiernan brings over two decades of healthcare experience to her position leading the RRCC
dental clinic team, having gained crucial skills and invaluable knowledge as a dental
assistant, health unit coordinator, AEMT, and most recently, as the Deputy Medical Examiner for
Walworth County.

“I started Dental Assisting in 1987 and have learned a lot over the years through my work with
some amazing dentists. Knowing so many aspects of the field, from working chairside with
patients, to answering phones, to working in the back office, my extensive experience has given
me the confidence to take on this new role.”

Kiernan’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, managing all day-to-day operations
of clinic activities including hiring and supervising staff, scheduling and facility management,
working closely with the full dental team to ensure a positive patient experience, managing
patient customer service, evaluating existing clinic operations and identifying opportunities for
growth, consulting with the administrative team to address concerns and/or strategic changes,
and much more.

“This next year will be filled with growth and opportunity as we lean into our new designation as
a Federally Qualified Health Center” adds Nichols. “Having experienced, energetic, passionate
people leading our clinic teams is crucial to the overall success of RRCC and to meeting our
goal of reducing barriers to needed health services. Dawn is a vital part of that team and that
work.”

“I am excited to help keep the momentum going for the RRCC dental team, allowing us to
continue with our mission to help serve our communities,” Kiernan states. “We have such an
amazing group of dentists, assistants, hygienists and office staff all working towards the same
goal – to help others. Everyone in our clinic shows compassion towards our patients’ needs, as
well as their oral and overall health. We work very hard to do our best for everyone who sits in
our chairs.”

Rock River Community Clinic is actively hiring for a dental assistant and dental hygienist to join
Kiernan and the entire dental clinic team. Both part-time and full-time options are available.
Interested applicants can visit https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/careers/ for full details.

The RRCC dental clinic is located at 520 Handeyside Lane in Fort Atkinson and open from
8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Rock River Community Clinic is one of the only locations
in Jefferson County that serves patients enrolled in Medicaid (BadgerCare) or with incomes
below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Any dental questions or inquiries can be
directed to 920.563.4372.

---

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to
ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge,
and parts of Walworth County, RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown,
and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson. Referrals for behavioral health care services
will be available in Whitewater and Watertown locations soon.

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with
discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also
provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g.,
transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to
support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at
affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more
equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org

On Saturday, October 22nd, a group gathered for the first in a series of three fall workshops at the Arboretum at Starin Park to learn more about trees, the arboretum there and the history of the Salisbury and Chopp Arboreta on the campus of UW-Whitewater. Jim Nies, Vice Chair of the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission and Wes Enterline, Director of the UW-Whitewater Sustainability Office presented histories of and stories about all three of these outdoor classrooms. They then led the group through some exercises such a tree identification game, estimating the age of a tree while it’s still standing and growing, and also estimating the height of a tree. It was very interesting and fun was had by all! It was a beautiful fall day to be out at the park!

Join us next Saturday, October 29th at 2:00 p.m. at the Lower Shelter at Starin Park for our next workshop titled, Remarkable Trees: Tales From Wisconsin and Beyond, for a fun introduction to the fascinating world of trees! All are welcome from elementary age children to any age beyond! The only thing you need to bring is your desire to learn more about this wonderful world around us. Hope to see you at the Arboretum!

The City of Whitewater Common Council will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cravath Lakefront Room on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building. Per the agenda, the Council will immediately adjourn to closed session, after which there will be an open session with “possible action on appointment of City Manager and possible action on City Manager Employment Contract.” As was previously announced on the Banner, three finalists, James “Jim” Palenick, David R. Porter and John S. Weidl, were to be interviewed on Saturday, October 22. Weidl is currently serving as Interim City Manager, following the resignation of Cameron Clapper.

Common Council Meeting
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Cravath Lakefront Room – 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 – 6:30 p.m.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84799778927?pwd=aEJHNVNTTnh5eUE4dFcwdG5DL0w1Zz09
Passcode: 081144
Or Telephone:
1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 847 9977 8927
Passcode: 081144

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is by Lynn Binnie.