News

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

Whitewater Unified School Board Survey and Budget Work Session – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Review Community Referendum Survey; Purpose, Process, and Implementation
Whitewater High School Library
435 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Auto Repair Shop to
be located at 265 S. Wisconsin Street, and Discussion and possible approval of a Specific Implementation Plan and Conditional Use for Alcohol by the Drink for a Wedding Venue to be located at 328 W Main Street
(Hamilton House), Whitewater, WI 53190 for Mark and Karen Barbar. Tax Parcel #/OT
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 my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/911157061
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 911-157-061
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
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 closure of Starin Road between Prairie
Street and Warhawk Drive to vehicular traffic.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. 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 click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88217346962?pwd=bCTW0icn4KHCK3OY4Zota4HFslxs9Q.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 882 1734 6962
Passcode:
830873

Warhawks Donate: Professional Clothing Drive at UW-W

UW-Whitewater Career Services is collecting professional attire for our Warhawk Success Closet, a free resource for students to use for interviews and work wear. We are accepting donations of gently-used professional clothes, specifically suit jackets & blazers, dress pants, dress shoes, ties, belts, and dress shirts/blouses. Please consider cleaning out your closet to help the Warhawk community! Our drive runs through December 13th, although donations can be made any time of year. Visit https://tinyurl.com/WarhawksDonateUWW to learn how to donate.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by  Ribhav Agrawal from Pixabay,

GWC Hosting Arts Alliance Gallery Director Kim Adams

Kim Adams

The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Gallery Director Kim Adams from the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA), at the upcoming December meeting. Kim Adams will be providing an update on the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA). 

Kim Adams has served as the Gallery Director for the Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) since December 14, 2023. As a lifelong learner and advocate for the arts, she believes that creativity resides in everyone.

One of the standout achievements in Kim’s career has been her instrumental role in developing and supervising The Center Art Gallery and Roberta’s Art Gallery, at the UW-Whitewater University Center. Her collaborative efforts with the UW-W Art Department, alongside engagement with student artists, local, regional, national, and international talents, have been pivotal in fostering a vibrant artistic community. Kim has also been actively involved with local organizations such as the Whitewater Arts Alliance, Studio 84, Fairhaven Senior Services, Optimist International, Association of College Unions International, and the Whitewater Unified School District, among others.

Kim’s impact extends beyond gallery curation and collaboration. She played a crucial role in the development of the permanent art collection at the University Center, orchestrating collaborative projects that bridged the gap between professional artists and students. Her commitment to education and outreach is further exemplified by her previous involvement in the “Warhawk Experience Camp,” assisting with Warhawk Dual Enrollment research, and serving as the Community Outreach Specialist for the Chancellor’s Office (in fall 2023).

“The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is an essential part of our community,” said GWC President, Jeffery Knight, “I am looking forward to Kim’s presentation to learn more about the incredible work she does.” 

The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is Thursday, December 12th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater, WI 53190. The public is more than welcome to attend this meeting to hear more about the Whitewater Arts Alliance. If interested in attending, you must RSVP. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Wednesday, December 11th.

About the GWC

The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policymakers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. The agenda advances the economic, education, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.

Obituary: Florence “Flo” May (nee Arbuthnot) Rhodes, 90, of MI

Florence “Flo” May (nee Arbuthnot) Rhodes, 90, of Grosse Pointe, Mich., and longtime resident of Whitewater, Wis., died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at her home and surrounded by family, having celebrated her birthday nearly three weeks before. Her passing followed the loss of her husband of 62 years, Benjamin Rhodes, earlier this year. Born Nov. 6, 1934, in Janesville, Wis., Flo was the third of four children of George and Irene (nee VanDreser) Arbuthnot. Her parents owned Arbuthnot Dairy in Janesville, Wis.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in comparative literature in 1957, and moved to Denver, where she taught middle school. Flo joined the Colorado Mountain Club, where she met her future husband, Ben, an avid skier and mountaineer. They married in 1961, and together raised three children and experienced much of the world through travel. Flo was an avid gardener, an excellent chef and baker, a seamstress and a woodworker, but perhaps most remarkable as an expert knitter. Those who were fortunate enough to receive a gift of a personalized sweater or hat could feel the love and care that went into every stitch. She provided a beautifully perfect home for her family, always putting them first.

Flo is survived by her sons, John Rhodes of Seattle and Philip Rhodes of Grosse Pointe; daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Rhodes DeMaine (Robert) of Los Angeles; and grandchildren, Paul and Annette “Annie” DeMaine, both of Los Angeles. She also is survived by her brother, Paul Arbuthnot of Lake Oswego, Ore.; sister, Mary Zirbel (nee Arbuthnot) of Wauwatosa, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Benjamin; and brother, John Arbuthnot of Scotts Mills, Ore. As Flo wished, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colorado Mountain Club, cmc.org/donate, League of Women Voters, bit.ly/4i8H7Ho, or Detroit Symphony Orchestra, tickets.dso.org/support/donate.

Boys Open Basketball Season with Overtime Win

The Whitewater High School Boys’ Basketball team traveled to Delavan-Darien High School on Friday night to open up the Rock Valley Conference season. The Whippets won 82-70 in overtime. Whitewater High School was led in scoring by Reece Condon with 27 points; none were bigger than his three pointer to open up overtime. The Whippets outscored the comets 15-3 in overtime, and sophomore Connor Brummeyer added six of those.

Reece Condon

Matthew Carollo opened up the game with 5 of his 6 threes in the first half and handled the ball against a very physical DDHS team. The second half was more of a fight than a basketball game. The Whippets built a 17-point lead and withstood a late game charge from the Comets. 

Senior Ty Hagedorn had huge rebounds in the second half!

The Whippets play Monroe on Thursday night, December 12. 

Article Submitted by Michael McCabe
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
mccmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka

UW-W Volleyball Finishes as National Runner-up

Warhawks celebrate a point during the match against Juniata (Keith Lucas)

Salem, Va. – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrapped up a phenomenal 2024 campaign as the NCAA Division III National Runner-Up Saturday. The Warhawks fell to undefeated Juniata 3-2 (25-19, 25-19, 15-25, 26-28, 15-10) at the Cregger Center in Salem, Virginia. UWW pushed a fifth set for the first time in nine seasons in the national title match – the previous eight were 3-0 sweeps.

UW-Whitewater battled back to force the decisive fifth after trailing 0-2 in the match. The Warhawks turned it around in set three as the best blocking team in the country lived up to its reputation. UWW registered seven blocks in the set, holding the Eagles to a negative attack percentage. Meanwhile the offense picked up the pace hitting .235 with 13 kills. The offense-defense combination led to a lop-sided 25-15 win in the set. 

The fourth set was arguably one of the most thrilling of the season. UW-Whitewater trailed early until Jenna Weinfurt took over. The powerful outside hitter posted UWW’s next five points – all on kills – to tie the set 10-10. From there, the teams traded points, battling it out as the set continued on. Juniata claimed the first set and match point, 25-24, but the Warhawks had the response on an Alayna Jansky kill. 

The Eagles forced another match point and setter Aubrie Krzus pushed the ball back to this outside, this time for Weinfurt. She drove the ball on a dart toward the endline and the line judge lifted his flag to signal out. Juniata rushed the floor as Head Coach Stacy Boudreau immediately grabbed the green challenge card. The officials went to the monitor and quickly returned to the floor indicating the ball was in, the call overturned for a UWW point and the set now tied 26-26. 

On the next play, the Eagles’ set drifted over the net and Weinfurt put it back down for a UW-Whitewater set point. In a rare feat for a title match, the Warhawks won the set on a bad set as the Juniata setter pushed the ball to the outside pin as the hitters all collapsed toward the middle. The error sent the squads into a fifth. 

Following the brief intermission, the Eagles came out on fire scoring the first eight points. The Warhawks did not fold and continued to battle pulling to within four, but the deficit was too much to overcome in the shortened fifth set.

Weinfurt had a phenomenal match with 25 kills while Jansky posted 16 in the contest. The pair combined for 99 kills over the three matches in the championship and were named to the NCAA Division III Championship All-Tournament Team for their performances. Krzus tallied 38 assists in the match. 

Defensively, Jaedynn Evans led UWW with 19 digs while Weinfurt added 18 and Jansky posted 12. At the net, Hannah Proctor had 10 blocks, Krzus and Abbie Dix each registered eight and Chloe Werner added four. 

The Warhawks wrap up the 2024 campaign with a 31-4 record, the first 30-win season since 2015. The trip to the national title match is UWW’s first since 2007. Juniata has won 97 consecutive matches including three straight titles. 

UW-W December Commencement Set for Dec. 14

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will celebrate the achievements of its graduates at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, as proud families and friends gather for the 2024 December commencement ceremony.

Approximately 815 students will be earning their degrees. The ceremony, about two hours long and presided over by Chancellor Corey A. King, will be held at Kachel Fieldhouse in the Williams Center. 

This year’s commencement speaker is Monica Kelsey-Brown, an alumna who has devoted her career to creating equitable educational opportunities and inspiring young minds. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UW-Whitewater, building the foundation for her impactful career, and later completed her doctorate at UW-Madison. Kelsey-Brown currently serves as superintendent of the Waunakee Community School District, where she leads with a focus on innovation, inclusion, and student success.

The student speaker is Jordyn Robinson, a Milwaukee native who is earning his Bachelor of Arts in journalism with an emphasis in advertising and a minor in sports management. A first-generation college student, campus leader and passionate community advocate, on campus he worked to create inclusive spaces where all students could feel a sense of belonging and thrive academically and socially in his roles as president of the Black Student Union and student affairs director in Whitewater Student Government. He is the founder and owner of The GRINDmke, which provides athletic apparel, sports management, college recruitment and athletic training services in track, football and basketball.

83% percent of the graduating students come from Wisconsin, and 24 states and two countries other than the United States are represented in the graduating class.

The graduating class includes three international students, 58 military veterans and 138 nontraditional students, defined as undergraduate students who are 25 years of age or older. In addition, 80 self-identified students with disabilities — about 10% of the students graduating — will receive degrees.

Commencement will be broadcast live online by UWW-TV, the university television station. Access to the livestream will be posted at uww.edu/commencement. 

Seniors in the Park Presents Genie

“Genie”

Tuesday, December 10, 1 pm

(Holiday/Comedy); Rated PG; 1hour, 33 minutes (2023).

Flora (Melissa McCarthy), a genie trapped in an antique jewelry case, is accidentally called into service by a workaholic Dad to win his family back before Christmas. Written by Richard Curtis (“Love Actually“)  also stars Alan Cumming, host of “PBS Masterpiece Mystery.”

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes our of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/

Flags to Half-staff in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

“On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor and remember the brave individuals who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, including 50 service members from Wisconsin, and reflect on the significance of this dark and fateful day in our nation’s history,” said Gov. Evers. “The attack on Pearl Harbor changed the trajectory of our nation and our world, and today, we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and recognize the bravery and selflessness of our WWII veterans and their families, who dedicated their lives to defend and protect the values and freedoms we hold dear.”

The governor also proclaimed Dec. 7, 2024, as “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day” across the state. A copy of the governor’s Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day proclamation is available here.

Executive Order #246 will be in effect from sunrise to sunsetla on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024, and is available here.