News

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is from the Scholl Collection of glass-plate negatives from the turn of the 20th century. It is a view of a sorghum mill processing sorghum stems, a common activity in the fall during the 19th and early twentieth centuries. Sorghum is a highly nutritious grain with seeds, that when dried, make a gluten-free flour. The long stems hold a sweetish liquid that can be boiled into a sweet syrup. It was used in the past as an economical sweetener and, during World War II, a substitute for rationed sugar. The photograph shows stems of the sorghum plant in a press, powered by a draft horse, extracting the liquid. In the background is a shed with a working stove, probably heating sorghum liquid down into a syrup. 

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

(2881GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

Dear Whitewater Residents, Taxpayers, and Community Members,

As budget approval season kicks off, I want to share some important updates on Whitewater’s proposed 2025 budget, set to be reviewed and discussed by our City Council. This Thursday marks the first Council-level discussion of the proposed budget, and I’d like to provide some context around one of the more significant changes shaping our approach.

One of the critical adjustments for 2025 is our transition from the ETF (Employee Trust Fund), the state-sponsored health insurance program available to local government employees and educators across Wisconsin. Beginning this year, we have adopted a self-funded health insurance model supported by a stop-loss insurance policy to limit risk. This change allows employees to keep their current providers. It offers zero-deductible, zero out-of-pocket options within a preferred care provider (PCP) network while also projecting to reduce health insurance premiums by approximately $250,000 annually. Before this, our health insurance costs had been rising between 20% and 40% over the last two years, depending on the network employees were in, making it clear we needed to find a better solution. 

I want to thank the City staff who researched 11 different options to help us arrive at this self-funded approach, which we hope will bring more stability and affordability to our health coverage. However, these savings are only estimates, and prudent financial management requires that we validate them before making any long-term commitments.

Evaluating How to Manage Health Insurance Reserves

Considering these anticipated reserves and the recent results of the operational and staffing study in the police department, there was discussion within the Finance Committee about allocating a portion of the projected health insurance reserve fund toward funding an additional police officer position. While I understand and appreciate the intent to strengthen public safety, allocating unproven “savings” to recurring personnel expenses before they are fully realized is risky and inconsistent with best financial practices. Ultimately, the budget was forwarded to the City Council as recommended by the City Manager.

The City Manager’s budget recommendation is to sequester at least two years’ worth of the projected savings to build a sufficient health insurance reserve account. This reserve would protect against future premium increases, unexpected hikes due to high-cost claims as we are now self-insured, and the potential re-entry penalty if the City returns to ETF after the mandatory waiting period. To give you some perspective, our Finance Director calculated the reentry penalty based on figures from a neighboring community that recently received an ETF reentry estimate. Given our current employee count, the estimated first-year penalty would be over $700,000, which two years’ projected savings wouldn’t fully cover.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) emphasizes avoiding financial commitments based on anticipated savings until those savings are confirmed. Whitewater has earned the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award every year during my tenure as City Manager, underscoring our commitment to responsible financial stewardship. Allocating reserves prematurely could jeopardize both the stability of the health insurance fund and the City’s broader fiscal health.

While adding a single officer may seem appealing, a recent study by Fitch and Associates lays out a broader framework for enhancing public safety in our community. The study outlines the need for between four and six additional patrol officers, a detective, additional technological and dispatch support, and possibly an expanded role for our administrative assistant. It also recommends considering another School Resource Officer (SRO) in partnership with the school district.

The Importance of Fiscal Responsibility and Planning

Given the uncertainties surrounding our new self-funded insurance model, the most responsible approach is to allow the health insurance reserve to be built over the next two years. A healthy reserve protects against potential cost increases or the need to return to ETF, which could cost the City over $700,000 in the first year alone due to re-entry penalties. By maintaining this reserve, we can stabilize our insurance fund, mitigate future risks, and avoid significant budget cuts if unexpected costs arise.

Alternatively, rather than using unconfirmed savings for ongoing staffing, a more strategic approach would be allocating a portion of realized savings for one-time, non-recurring expenses. For example, funds could be set aside for essential equipment or capital purchases, such as a vehicle to support additional staff and the necessary initial gear for new hires, including vests, uniforms, sidearms, tasers, radios, and other vital equipment. This would allow us to prepare for future growth in a financially sustainable way.

Regardless, suppose there is an overwhelming desire to increase the police staffing by one additional position with these funds. In that case, the City benefits more from an additional detective than a patrol officer. A single detective would provide more impact in terms of investigative capacity, crime resolution, and case management. Given our current challenges, adding one patrol officer does not offer the strategic or operational benefits our department needs. To improve public safety, we need a comprehensive staffing plan rather than isolated, piecemeal measures that may not yield significant value.

Planning for Sustainable Public Safety Funding

As we move into 2025, staff has recommended—and our recent study by Fitch and Associates supports—pursuing a referendum to create a stable, long-term funding source for public safety. This approach allows us to address staffing needs with dedicated, voter-supported funding rather than relying on projected reserves that may not materialize as expected. By building a healthy reserve account for insurance needs over the next year or two, we can strengthen our financial footing and potentially use those proven expenditure reductions to strategically support a voter-approved referendum for police staffing, creating a solid support system for the City’s future needs.

This budget season, I want residents to know that the City Manager’s budget recommendation is based on best practices, careful forecasting, and a fiscally conservative approach to municipal budgeting. The goal behind this recommendation is to ensure that, no matter what, taxpayers aren’t left holding the bag if future changes to our health insurance become necessary. For example, in a household budget, careful planning, setting money aside for future needs, and not spending money before it shows up helps ensure long-term stability and prepare us for the unexpected. 

I encourage all residents to join us at the meeting in person or online to hear the discussion and consider how these decisions impact our community’s future. Your insights and involvement are invaluable as we work together to secure a stable and resilient community for all.

Warmest Regards,

John S. Weidl

City Manager, City of Whitewater

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312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
262-473-0104 | jweidl@whitewater-wi.gov

www.whitewater-wi.gov

On World Kindness Day, Wednesday, November 13th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area will sponsor a public forum on the meaning of civility, unity, community, and kindness. The program, Red, White, Blue, and Civility Too, will be held at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center, 341 S Fremont St, in Whitewater. The program will feature a panel of diverse community members* sharing their perspectives followed by roundtable discussions among audience members on how we can move our thoughts on these notions into positive action within our community. 

In America, we are taught that patriotism is to honor our country and to embrace the rights and freedoms that are our constitutional imperatives. Our red, white, and blue notions are steeped in nostalgia, loyalty, and liberty. These colors are symbolic and sacred to us as a united nation. Have we drifted from these idyllic notions? Should we, the people, put forth more than just notions, but also actions? Is our nation one of unity, community, kindness, and civility? Civility is defined as politeness through thought and behavior, a celebration of joy, solidarity, community, and hope.

Please join us on November 13th to learn from others and contribute your ideas to the conversation. Refreshments will be served.

• Panelists include: Kristine Zaballos, Co-founder of the Community Space; Maryann Zimmerman, School Board member, Whitewater Unified School District; Miguel Aranda, School Board Vice President, Whitewater Unified School District; Sam Blake, Director of the PB Poorman Pride Center, UW-Whitewater; Elizabeth Staniforth-Seamster, Pastor of Caring and Community Outreach, First United Methodist Church; Greg Stewart, Whitewater High School history, government, and civics teacher; Cal Servi, Police Lieutenant, UW-Whitewater; and, Eric Loepp, Political Science professor, UW-Whitewater.

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

The general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The City of Whitewater has two polling places for this election, the Downtown Armory, 146 W. North Street, and the UW-W University Center Hamilton Room. If you are uncertain as to which is your polling place, you may enter your address at this site.

Update 11/4/24 @ 11:50 p.m.: City Clerk Heather Boehm told The Whitewater Banner that over 2100 voters have already submitted their ballots prior to the opening of the polls. Less than 100 absentee ballots were outstanding as of Monday, November 4. Anyone still wishing to submit their absentee ballot must bring it to the Municipal Building, where there is a “Central Count” for all the early/absentee ballots. A voter may bring their ballot into the Community Room or place it in the drop box in the Whitewater Street vestibule. The deadline is, of course, 8 p.m.

Here’s what’s on your ballot

Federal races: U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
Walworth County – District 1
Jefferson County – District 5

State race: Representative to the Assembly District 43
State issue: Constitutional amendment

County race – Walworth County – District Attorney
County race – Jefferson County – District Attorney

City of Whitewater Non-binding Referendum – “The City of Whitewater Water Utility has decommissioned the Starin Park Water Tower, meaning it is no longer part of the water system. The Water Utility can spend up to $600,000 (the cost of demolition) to maintain it as a City-owned Historical Landmark. The remaining costs, approximately $1,000,000 for repairs and $250,000 every 10 years for maintenance would need to come from City tax dollars or donations. Should the City of Whitewater use tax dollars to repair and maintain the Starin Park Water Tower?”

You may view what’s on the ballot (except the City of Whitewater referendum) by entering your address on this site.

If you haven’t voted in one or more of the previous elections this year, you’ll notice some changes:

Voters will notice two significant changes from all the previous elections. Instead of there being the usual four check-in tables, there will be only one. A voter may approach any poll worker (officially called an election inspector) who is sitting at a Badger Book. These electronic devices are replacing the paper poll books. The voter is still required by law to state their name and address and provide their driver license or other photo ID. Rather than signing in ink, the signature will be provided on the electronic screen. This may be done either by using the provided stylus or with a finger. The signature must be written entirely within a box on the screen. Never fear, the signature need not bear great resemblance to one’s usual signature. From there, the process will be essentially the same as before, except that the voter will be provided a receipt that indicates the “style” of paper ballot (for Jefferson or Walworth County) which they are to be issued at the next table. The ballots will be marked by the voter in the same fashion as previously.

Here is a link to a brief video from the City of De Pere which provides an excellent introduction to the Badger Books. As is shown in the video, the Badger Books will also be used to register new voters or to enter changes of address. Our voters will, however, be directed to a separate station for this purpose. After the voter is registered or their address is changed, the same poll worker will provide the receipt that they need in order to obtain their ballot.

ID required

Specific types of photo identification are required in order to vote. This website shows the acceptable forms of ID.

Same day registration

Citizens may register to vote at the polls. Proof of residence is required. This website shows the acceptable forms. 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.  
• An otherwise eligible elector who moves within or to Wisconsin less than 28 days before an election must generally vote in his or her previous election district or ward. If a person is otherwise qualified to vote in Wisconsin except for meeting the 28 day residency requirement prior to a presidential election, the individual may vote for the offices of President and Vice President, but no other office.

Famed “Pop music in a Time Machine” concert act Postmodern Jukebox has announced a new World Tour to celebrate the dual milestone of their 10th anniversary of touring and their 1,000th show in 2024. Dubbed The ‘10 Tour, Postmodern Jukebox will bring their North American Tour to The Young on Saturday, November 9^th, 2024, at 7:00 pm.

Concertgoers can expect a dazzling, inspiring trip through the PMJ Universe — where modern-day earworms and iconic pop hits alike are reimagined in classic genres like 1920s jazz, Swing, Doo-wop and Motown, and brought to life by a cast of some of the world’s best singers, dancers, and instrumentalists. Think “The Great Gatsby” meets “Sinatra at the Sands” meets “Back! …To The Future”.

When pianist Scott Bradlee started the time-twisting musical collective from a basement apartment in Queens, NY, an online, “viral” success story was born —one that quickly led to sold out shows across North America and Europe in the Summer of 2014.

The touring act received rave reviews from industry publications and world-renowned artists alike. In the years that followed, “PMJ” built a reputation as the “Saturday Night Live of Singers” by introducing audiences to dozens of exceptional musical artists —many of whom had been previously overlooked by the modern record industry — and turning them into bonafide stars.

Ten years and two billion views on their YouTube channel later, a Postmodern Jukebox show has become something of an annual musical tradition for hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans all over the world — fans that often show up dressed to the nines in their vintage best, eager to immerse themselves in the experience.

“By the end of 2023, PMJ will have performed 937 shows in 44 countries across 5 continents,” says Bradlee, who creates the musical arrangements and directs the shows. “That kind of longevity in a notoriously fickle industry was completely unexpected for us. There’s no secret formula, other than an obsession for classic sounds and a commitment to showcasing phenomenal talent. We continue to feel honored and humbled by our audiences’ support for this project, which continues to inspire us and push us to new heights of artistry. It’s the perfect marriage, and our 10th anniversary tour will be a celebration.”

For more information about the show and to purchase tickets ($62-88), please visit TheYoungWhitewater.com or contact the box office at 262-472-2222. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 per ticket surcharge. [Tickets are truly going fast — it’s already the biggest show of the season so far.]

The Young serves as a presenting organization for the performing arts and as an educational and cultural center enriching the lives of regional communities. Tickets for any show can be purchased online at TheYoungWhitewater.com, by calling the Box Office at (262) 472-2222, or in person. Ticket Services is located in the atrium of Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, and is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Young is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, and parking is always free during your event. To learn more, visit TheYoungWhitewater.com.

Alex Martin from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Music at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, will perform in the university’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble during the 2024-25 academic year.

Martin plays baritone saxophone for the group, which includes 50 student musicians.

The group will perform at UW-Whitewater’s Gala Holiday Concert on December 7 at Young Auditorium. The Gala is an annual tradition that features nearly every student ensemble in the university’s Department of Music. All profits from the event support the department’s scholarships.

UW-Whitewater’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble is a select wind band performing a variety of concert band repertoire. All students are required to audition for the group.

Alex Martin will also perform in the university’s Jazz Ensemble I during the 2024-25 academic year.

Martin plays saxophone for the group, which includes 18 student musicians.

Jazz Ensemble I is a jazz big band including saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section. An audition is required to join the group.

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Sarah Keller from Whitewater, WI, who is studying Music at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, performs as part of the university’s Opera Workshop.

Keller sings Soprano for the group, which includes 10 student musicians.

The Opera Workshop, directed by Brian Leeper, performed scenes from timeless operas and beloved musical theatre classics. The talented cast transported the audience to a world of passion, drama, and pure emotion to bring iconic stories to life.

UW-Whitewater’s Department of Music, a part of the College of Arts and Communication, prepares students for a future of performance, composing, teaching, and other music-related roles. The university’s musical ensembles play in famous venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, the Symphony Center in Chicago, and at venues in Germany, Poland and England.

To learn more about the department, visit uww.edu/music.

Editor’s note: The above announcements were provided by the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.

Kiwanis is a nonpartisan organization, so we can’t help you with who to vote for on Election Day, but we can help you with the dinner plan for Election night!

Order from Rocky Rococo Pizza in Whitewater this Tuesday from 4-8 p.m., and Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis will receive a portion of the sales.

Treat yourself to their pan-style pizza by the slice or a whole pie, bread sticks, pasta, salad, kids meals, and desserts.

Do your civic duty and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and then help Kiwanis by dining in or getting supper to go at Whitewater Rocky Rococo from 4-8 p.m.

Halloween ’24 was a very windy, cold event, but some residents reported seeing over 200 trick-or-treaters.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser