News

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

Anyone who visits The Community Space can’t help but marvel at the generosity of the greater Whitewater community’s residents for their donations of food, clothing, and so much more — not to mention the cheerful helpfulness of the volunteers who make it such a welcoming place. Everything is free! Who’s ever seen such a place, anywhere?

It’s said that everyone has a breaking point, and according to Kay Robers, manager of the organization, that point was reached on October 31. As a result she is regretfully announcing that The Community Space (TCS) is closed until further notice.

What’s wrong?

The Little Free Pantry in the vestibule includes a refrigerator and provides 24/7 access for people who have an immediate need for groceries. It’s an appreciated service, but recently, especially on weekends, there have been times when it’s virtually impossible to access the free pantry due to the huge amount of donations that have been crammed into the small space. Besides, visitors ransack the donations, and when the volunteer staff returns it takes hours of work before they can even free up the inside door.

Granted, a donation bin has been provided to allow people to drop off clothing or houseware items when it is convenient for them. However, TCS has requested that big items like furniture or large quantity donations be dropped off at the back of the building during their open hours.

Before TCS can reopen the staff needs to determine what changes need to be made in order to more effectively serve the community. Meanwhile they are sharing the following letters that have been received recently from two guests who’ve appreciated what they’ve encountered at The Community Space.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the city of Whitewater.

CITY OF WHITEWATER, UW-WHITEWATER, AND WI SALT WISE HOST SMART SALTING WORKSHOP
Best Practices in Winter Maintenance

The City of Whitewater and UW-Whitewater invite area municipalities,
school district staff, local contractors, and all others involved in winter maintenance to join them
in learning the latest in smart salt practices. Staff at the City and UW-Whitewater campus have
made significant improvements to their winter maintenance program by calibrating their
equipment and incorporating salt brine in their winter maintenance toolbelt. In collaboration with
Wisconsin Salt Wise, the City and University hope to share what they have learned and facilitate
conversations around best practices in winter maintenance.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2022
8:30-10:30 a.m.
1260 W MAIN ST, WHITEWATER (UW-W Community Engagement Center)

Wisconsin Salt Wise, event co-sponsor, is a coalition of organizations from across
Wisconsin working together to reduce salt pollution in our lakes, streams, and drinking water.
Our primary goals are to: educate residents, leaders and winter maintenance professionals on
salt pollution and solutions, provide training, and promote best practices and recognize
contractors committed to using the right amount of salt for conditions.
Wisconsin Salt Wise’s Allison Madison stated, “All the salt that we put down on our sidewalks,
driveways and roads ends up in our lakes, streams, and drinking water. We need all winter
maintenance professionals using best practices to protect our freshwater resources.” Visit
www.wisaltwise.com to learn more.

Join UW-Whitewater faculty, staff and students for a talk on a timely topic. We’ll share information, then have a conversation with each other. All Warhawk Talks are followed by refreshments and open to the public.  RSVPs requested.

Warhawk Talks are held at the Community Engagement Center, 1260 West Main Street, Whitewater. Entrance and free parking are in the rear of the building. Click here for more details.

Third Parties in American Politics: Why They Usually Don’t Succeed, and Why This Time May be Different

In the summer of 2022, dozens of former Republican and Democratic officials announced their commitment to a new national party: the Forward Party. Backers hope this new organization will provide a viable alternative to the two major parties in the United States, which continue to win nearly every major election despite the fact that more Americans identify as Independents than as Republicans or Democrats, and most Americans believe a third party is needed in this country. Join us to discuss why third parties struggle to gain traction in American politics, and why leaders of the Forward Party think they have the winning formula this time around. Do they? Let’s discuss!

Presented by Eric Loepp, Professor, Politics, Government, and Law
Thursday, November 3, 2022, 6 p.m.

If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise us as soon as possible. Requests are confidential. UW-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA.  Please contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003 for further information.

Reservations requested; please RSVP here.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the map, “Electoral College Ratings” by nordique, which is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

WHS senior, Anderson Waelchli, performed at the Overture Center in Madison with the Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Choir on Thursday evening. Anderson was chosen last February to sing as one of the 25 tenors from around the state selected to perform in the Honors Mixed Choir under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson. The concert was held in Overture Hall along with the Honor Treble Choir. Congratulations to Anderson on a fantastic performance! 

Whitewater Whippet Cheerleading is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser
beginning on October 31st, 2022, and running through December 30th, 2022, to raise funds for
uniforms. Whippet Cheerleading will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn,
used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those
dollars will benefit Whippet Cheerleading. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new
shoes at UWW University Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, First English Lutheran Church, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools, Middle and High Schools.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise
(small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create,
maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are
limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed,
clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her
son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Jorie Raudenbush, Coach. “We know that most people
have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for our
growing program’s uniform needs, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who
need economic opportunities. Shoes will also be donated locally. It’s a win for everyone.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Whippet Cheerleading, the shoes will be given a
second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world and in our own community.

[From the Funds2Orgs website] Funds2Orgs accepts all gently worn, used and new shoes, sneakers, and even cleats. However, there are some restrictions, which are as follows:

• Single Shoes or mismatched pairs of shoes
• Ice Skates
• Rollerblades / Roller Skates
• Wet / moldy shoes
• Shoes with holes or tears
• No thrift store shoes are accepted.

If possible it would be helpful if you could rubber-band the shoes together or tie the laces together to prevent the pairs from separating.

About Whippet Cheerleading
The Whippet Cheerleading program is for students in grades 6-12 who attend Whitewater public
schools. Currently the program includes approximately 30 cheerleaders who cheer for middle and high
school basketball teams and the high school football team. Our cheerleading program provides
students opportunities to improve upon their athleticism, and build communication, teamwork, and
leadership skills.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Dim Hou from Pixabay.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes First reading of ordinance regarding Unnecessary or Preventable Calls for Emergency Services; discussion/direction regarding minimum housing sizes; discussion/direction regarding Starin Road neighborhood development plan; discussion regarding request to increase quota of beer/liquor Class A (off premises) licenses; presentation of 2022-23 budgets.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us 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/85202017406?pwd=eDBFUENaT1VIM1BFR2grRWNnRmhwQT09
Passcode: 966725
Or Telephone:
1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 852 0201 7406
Passcode: 966725

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission (In Person and Virtual) – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Landmark Hotel restoration update, Converse House nomination as a local landmark, Starin Park water tower update.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/452658125
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 452-658-125

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that there are a lot of fun activities surrounding
Halloween and encourages everyone to prioritize safety. Children and youth look forward to Trick
or Treating, and we want everyone to enjoy the festivities. Below are some Halloween safety tips.

Trick or Treaters
• Do not Trick or Treat alone.
• An adult should accompany kids under 12 years old.
• Trick or Treat at lit houses. Do not approach a dark residence.
• Look both ways before crossing a road, and do not run.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks to be more visible.
• Fasten reflective tape to candy bags and costumes.
• Take a cellphone and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not enter any residence. Remain outside.
• Wait to eat any treats until after an adult checks them for safety.
Do not eat any treats that are not in factory-sealed packaging.

Drivers
• Drive slow and watch your surroundings. Turn your headlights on.
• Take extra time to check for kids at intersections and when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using electronic devices; focus on driving.
• Do not drink and drive. If you drink, get a sober ride home.
We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween!

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by M. Harris from Pixabay.

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

As evidenced by the list below, many communities in Southeast Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls.

How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!

Saturday, Oct. 29

Bay View (Milwaukee): 5 to 8 p.m.
Campbellsport: 2 to 4 p.m.
Cedarburg: 5 to 8 p.m.
Dousman: 4 to 7 p.m.
Elkhart Lake: Track & Treat at Road America: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Elm Grove: 5 to 7:30 pm.
Grafton: 5 to 8 p.m. Participating homes must have their porch light(s) on
Lisbon: 5 to 8 p.m.
Lyons: 3 to 5 p.m.
Merton: 5 to 8 p.m.
Oconomowoc: 6 to 8 p.m.
Pewaukee (city and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Port Washington: 4 to 7 p.m.
Richfield: 3 to 6 p.m.
Sussex: 6 to 8 p.m.
Trenton: 4 to 6 p.m.
Watertown: 4 to 7 p.m.
Waupun: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Allis: 4 to 7 p.m. Leave your porch light on if you are participating
West Bend: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Milwaukee: 4 to 7 p.m. Residents should turn on a porch light if participating

Sunday, Oct. 30

Addison: 3 to 6 p.m.
Bayside: 1 to 4 p.m.
Belgium: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brown Deer: 1 to 4 p.m.
Butler: 4 to 6 p.m.
Cudahy: 5 to 7 p.m.
Fort Atkinson: 1 to 4 p.m.
Fox Lake
Fox Point: 1 to 4 p.m.
Franklin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Glendale: 1 to 4 p.m.
Greendale: 4 to 7 p.m.
Greenfield: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hales Corners: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hartford: 4 to 6 p.m.
Jackson (village): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lake Geneva: Noon to 5 p.m.
Lannon: 2 to 5 p.m.
Mequon: 4 to 7 p.m.
Milwaukee: 1 to 4 p.m.
Mukwonago (town and village): 4 to 6 p.m.
Neosho: 1 to 4 p.m.
New Berlin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Oak Creek: 4 to 7 p.m.
Pleasant Prairie: 3 to 6 p.m.
Plymouth: 3 to 5 p.m.
Random Lake: 3 to 5 p.m.
Rochester: 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Francis: 5 to 7 p.m.
Saukville: 4 to 7 p.m.
Shorewood: 1 to 4 p.m.
Theresa: 2 to 4 p.m.
Thiensville: 3 to 6 p.m.
Wales: 4 to 6 p.m.
Wauwatosa: 1 to 4 pm. Neighborhood associations may have varying hours
Wheatland: 2 to 5 p.m.
Whitefish Bay: 1 to 4 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 31

Big Bend: 6 to 8 p.m.
Bristol: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brookfield (city): 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Burlington (city and town): 6 to 8 p.m.
Caledonia: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Grove: 4 to 6 p.m.
Delafield (city and town): 4 to 7 p.m.
Delavan (city): 4 to 6 p.m.
Dover: 6 to 8 p.m.
East Troy: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Elkhorn: 5 to 7 p.m.
Genoa City: 4 to 7 p.m.
Germantown: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kenosha: 4 to 7 p.m.
Menomonee Falls: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant: 5 to 7 p.m.
Muskego: 6 to 8 p.m.
Nashotah: 4 to 7 p.m.
North Prairie: 4 to 7 p.m.
Town of Norway: 5 to 7 p.m.
Paddock Lake: 4 to 7 p.m.
Racine: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Randall: 4 to 7 p.m.
Salem Lakes: 4 to 8 p.m.
Sheboygan: 4 to 7 p.m.: People are asked to turn on a light outdoors if they are taking part
Sheboygan Falls: 4 to 7 p.m.
Sturtevant: 5 to 7 p.m.
South Milwaukee: 5:30 to 7;30 p.m.
Somers (town and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Summit: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Twin Lakes: 4 to 7 p.m.
Union Grove: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (town) 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (village) 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waukesha (city): 5 to 7 p.m.
Yorkville: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.