The Whitewater Community Foundation is excited to invite the community to a special social event on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Willow Brook Golf Course. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved!
The evening will feature a presentation at 5:30 PM, including:
Introductions to our team
A presentation showcasing our recent projects and highlights from our annual report
A heartfelt message from our co-presidents
Join us for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and community spirit. Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to our organization, this is a wonderful chance to engage with our mission and discover ways to participate in our initiatives.
Light refreshments will be served. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family!
City of Whitewater Election Central Count – Tuesday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. This notice is given to inform the Public that the City of Whitewater is processing all Absentee Ballots in a Central location. The information follows: When: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Where: City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St. If you are retuning your Absentee Ballot in person on Election Day, please return to the Municipal Building, not the Armory. The same polling place rules and standards will apply to Central Count as they do for any other polling place. The difference is you cannot vote at the Municipal Building; we will only be processing Absentee Ballots. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Heather Boehm, Whitewater City Clerk at 262-473-0102. This is open to the public.
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Agenda includes Public Safety Referendum and Discussion and Possible action regarding 2025 Budget 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 click the link below to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84304645001?pwd=YZ4aKEGZ3DAb0Kc2PZzt0e6bIlX48i.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID: 843 0464 5001 Passcode: 460333
On Saturday, November 2, WHS students participated in the Madison Model United Nations XV conference at Middleton High School. The Madison Area Model United Nations (MADMUN) Conference is a high school Model UN conference organized and run by students from multiple high schools throughout Wisconsin. The conference is geared towards students of all ability levels (beginner through advanced) and is a great way to kick off the Model UN conference season. Students learn the structure of parliamentary procedure, how to debate and communicate ideas, and how to problem-solve international issues.
WHS MADMUN Delegates from (L-R) Back Row: Stephanie Wence, Falyn Krahn, Ava Alvarado, Joseph Falcon-Kienbaum, Cyrus Hudec, Kai Peterson, Alice Aubry, Genesis Valadez, Yareli Palomec Garcia, Narek Keshishyan Front Row: Carley Boudreau, Skylar Hibbs, Ruth Lopez, Aimee Servin, Jackie Franco, Adalynn Frye
MADMUN XV allows its participants to step outside their comfort zones, outside the echo chambers that many of our media algorithms, friend groups, peers, and families often become. By acquiring knowledge about diverse international cultures, policies, and approaches to some of the most pressing topics of our world today, delegates learn valuable lessons in communication, compromise, and empathy.
Students wrote position papers and participated in various issues at MADMUN, ranging from the impact of bioweapons to addressing the needs of Eastern European refugees.
Carley Boudreau served as a Co-Chair of the Human Rights Council at MADMUN. This leadership role was the second time a WHS student had ever participated in a MADMUN conference as a Co-Chair. Being selected as a co-chair means work developing background materials starting in May and working with students in preparation leading to this day in November, along with chairing a 40-60 student committee for the delegates.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Greg Stewart Whitewater High School Model UN Advisor gstewart@wwusd.org
The 2024 State Cross Country Meet in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, November 2, was exactly what the team had envisioned months ago when this group of seniors laced up their shoes for their first summer runs. They were driven and would not waver from the vision of being the best version of themselves by wearing a Whitewater Cross Country uniform this fall. They followed through with that in spades, as the team finished ninth overall, capped off with an individual state title from Jack Hefty.
(L-R) Coach McKenzie, Jack Hefty, Luc Pomazak, Andrew O’Toole, Xavier Zei, Isaac Straight, Onyx Thompson, Coach Carstens, Coach Green. On the ground: Miles Nickelsburg. Photo Credit: Jeff Hefty
In near perfect race conditions for both the course and the weather, Jack Hefty asserted himself early on with the pack that he was a force to reckon with. Positioned nicely with the leaders at the first mile at 5:00.7, he was poised to have a great day. By the second mile, he was now in third with his sights set on when he would make a push for the title. In the third and final mile, the most difficult part of the course with several challenging hill sections, Jack took the lead with about 300m to go. Making his last turn onto the final straight to a roaring crowd that was several people deep, it was all gas and no brakes as Hefty looked as smooth as ever with a lead that grew with every stride. The Whippet jersey once again was on full display for the crowd to see as Jack became the third Whitewater athlete to win a state cross country title (Rick Bergholtz ’75, Ben Maas ’95). Jack ran 15:46.5, the ninth fastest time overall across all divisions, which earned Jack first team All-State honors. His time is also the ninth fastest in Division 2 state history, and the sixth fastest on this course at the Ridges which has hosted the state race for over 35 years. Jack simply ran a flawless race that was the most complete 5000 meter effort of his life. He won every race he entered this season except one invitational in Janesville.
Miles Nickelsburg also shined brightly on this day as he made it back-to-back state meets where he came up big and was the team’s second runner. He methodically sawed his way through the field moving from 69th up to 53rd and finished in 17:18. Miles ran 29 seconds faster than last year’s state meet performance. Xavier Zei was the team’s third runner and finished in 78th in 17:35. Xavier was able to put a more complete race together this season which afforded him an incredible 57 second improvement over 2023. One year ago, Luc Pomazak wasn’t even a scoring runner on our JV team. This year, he was the fourth man on a team that finished 9th at state with a time of 18:01 and placed 101st. A year ago, Andrew O’Toole was the team’s 7th runner and finished in 20:29. This year he was the team’s fifth man placing 128th with a time of 18:31! Nearly two full minutes were cut from his state race a year ago. Onyx Thompson placed 134th with a time of 18:55, a 35-second improvement from a year ago. Isaac Straight was the final Whippet to cross the line in 150th place with a time of 20:18.
Andrew O’TooleIsaac StraightJack HeftyLuc PomazakMiles NickelsburgOnyx ThompsonXavier Zei
As a team, they finished in 9th place overall, moving up five spots from one year ago. It was an incredible day with incredible results. This was not just any team, this was a team consisting of all seniors – boys that started as freshmen who simply found their way, pulling in friends, and sharing their love of the sport to create a beautiful masterpiece as seniors. They will cherish this for the rest of their lives and fondly remember what they were able to accomplish together as one team, one family.
Last time it happened:
The last time the boys’ team finished this high at state was in 2007 when the team finished in 8th.
The last time that a boys’ CC team had qualified for state in back-to-back seasons was in 1995 and 1996.
The last time a Whippet boy won a state title was Ben Maas in 1995.
Representatives of the UW-Whitewater Branch of the UW Credit Union were unhand to receive a Regents Business Partnership Award from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay O. Rothman and Regent Timothy Nixon, along with UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)
UW Credit Union, a longtime partner of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an enthusiastic contributor to the success of thousands of students, has earned the 2024 Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award.
“The partnership between UW Credit Union and UW-Whitewater encapsulates what the Regents Business Partnership Award is all about — these two entities are dedicated to student success and improving the lives of those in the community,” said Rothman. “From financial literacy training to participating in greater service projects, UW Credit Union and UW-Whitewater make our state a better place.”
UW-Whitewater and UW Credit Union have teamed together for more than 40 years to provide resources and information for students and to educate students about the importance of financial literacy.
“We are thrilled to accept this award from the Universities of Wisconsin,” said UW Credit Union President and CEO Paul Kundert. “We’d like to thank the Board of Regents and President Rothman for the recognition, along with Chancellor King and his team of Warhawks for being such wonderful partners. The ‘people-first’ philosophy is at the core of the credit union movement, and we’re proud to bring that experience to the UW-Whitewater campus.”
UW Credit Union has been an in-house partner to UW-Whitewater since opening a branch on campus in 1982. In addition to having the branch location inside the University Center, the credit union also provides ATMs on both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses for the convenience of Warhawk students, faculty, staff and visitors.
“UW-Whitewater welcomes students from all journeys. Financial literacy is at its heart equipping students with the knowledge, best practices and tools to successfully reach their financial goals,” said Chancellor Corey King. “UW Credit Union through our partnership provides space for our students to learn the importance of integrating financial tools toward their overall success. We deeply appreciate this collaboration. It’s a prime example of our commitment to inspire, engage and transform lives.”
UW-Whitewater and UW Credit Union have collaborated on a number of efforts during their partnership.
Last April, the credit union helped celebrate Financial Literacy Month by encouraging students to visit the Whitewater branch and win prizes for answering financial literacy questions. It also partnered with UW-Whitewater’s Andersen Library and the FLC on a virtual scavenger hunt during Money Smart Week.
UW Credit Union actively supports UW-Whitewater’s student success initiatives, including the university’s annual Warhawk Welcome. The organization participates annually in 14 Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) sessions as well as the Campus Resource Fair, HawkFest, and the Fall Prep Rally, engaging more than 2,000 students.
Bank employees volunteered at the 2023 and 2024 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games, joining UW-Whitewater colleagues by welcoming more than 1,400 athletes and fans to campus each year. UWCU has also supported other university initiatives, including Homecoming, final exam week, the Employee Benefits Fair, and the Wellness Fair.
UW-Whitewater athletics, a perennial NCAA Division III powerhouse, also benefits from the support of UW Credit Union. The organization, an “Official Partner of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletics,” has sponsored multiple athletics storytelling projects and community initiatives during the relationship.
The Warhawk women’s basketball team supports Play4Kay, a national initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer awareness research named after Kay Yow, a former college women’s basketball coach who passed away from breast cancer. UW Credit Union has provided a donation match with the team for several seasons at the annual game, which is typically in February.
UW Credit Union awarded $115,000 in scholarships to students at the Universities of Wisconsin during the 2022-23 academic year and provided more than 200 financial education sessions to nearly 20,500 individuals on state campuses.
The credit union has also worked with multiple UW schools to co-brand debit cards as a fun way to engage students, faculty, staff and alums and drive school spirit throughout the state.
The Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award recognizes innovative collaborations between universities and businesses, as well as the impact these relationships have on campus, in the community and around the state.
About UW Credit Union
UW Credit Union is a growing, federally insured financial institution and a leading provider of a full range of financial services to University of Wisconsin communities. UW Credit Union’s more than 900 employees serve the financial needs of over 360,000 members through world-class technology systems and a convenient network of 35 branch locations and more than 100 ATMs. With $5 billion in assets, UW Credit Union is ranked nationally among the leading credit unions. Founded more than 90 years ago by members of the University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, UW Credit Union continues to operate as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with locations in the Madison, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Whitewater and La Crosse areas.
Dive into stories of resilience and the determination of UW-Whitewater’s first-generation college students at the pop-up exhibition “First-Gen College CELEBRATION.” This exhibit is hosted by the UW-Whitewater First-Generation Team in commemoration of the accomplishments of first-generation Warhawks. This exhibit begins on Nov. 4 and will be on display outside Roberta’s Art Gallery until Nov. 8.
“First-Gen College CELEBRATION” presents personal stories, quotes, and experiences from current first-gen students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni. Also on display will be individual portrait photographs taken by Craig Schreiner, UW-Whitewater photographer. Included in the exhibit are Xitlaly Antonio, biology major; Isabelle Clowes, pre-nursing major; Brian Flores-Cordova, double major in marketing and finance; Glenn Hayes, director of bands; Terri Jones, King/Chávez Program coordinator; Jenny Krzyszkowski, director of First Year Experience; Corey A. King, chancellor; Joshua Reed, Career Services director; and Holly Wayne, marketing alumnus.
This exhibit recognizes the efforts made at the National First-Generation College Celebration (FGCC) which officially takes place on Nov. 8 to raise awareness and visibility for first-gen students. According to FGCC, there is a 54% national rate of first-gen undergraduate students. At UW-Whitewater, 36% of students are first-gen, and at UW-Rock County campus, 54% are first-gen.
The exhibit reception will take place on Monday, Nov. 4, from noon to 2 p.m. to kick off the week of the celebration and recognition of first-generation students. Chancellor King and others will share brief remarks beginning at noon, and light refreshments will be served. For more about first-generation students at Whitewater, view the website.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. Roberta’s Art Gallery’s hours are Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag.
Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 a.m. In 2022 the U.S. Senate approved a bill known as the SunshineProtection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. But the legislation stalled in the House, as there was debate about whether to make standard or daylight time permanent. The bipartisan bill continues to be promoted, but it still hasn’t been passed.
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety reminders to help you prepare for an emergency.
Check household safety items o Smoke detectors o Carbon monoxide detectors o Furnaces o Wood burning stoves o Fire extinguishers
Create or update emergency kits for home and vehicle(s) o Swap summer items for winter items o Restock and check expiration dates • Batteries • Food • First aid supplies
For more emergency preparedness tips, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow Ready Wisconsin on Facebook and Twitter.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Whitewater Pack & Ship, a business that for several years had provided comprehensive shipping services with every possible carrier, closed its doors in May, 2024. Now Advance Auto Parts has discontinued offering drop off service for UPS. As far as The Whitewater Banner has been able to determine, residents now have very limited options for UPS shipments, especially if they are unable to prepay the postage and create a label, or they have an Amazon return label. For UPS, there is a drop box in the Associated Bank parking lot. Particularly if a package is too large to fit in that box, Chris Hale of Home Lumber indicates that the business is willing to take a package for UPS, as long as the shipper has the package labeled and simply needs to drop it off. The other local and area options of which we are aware are listed below.
The UPS Store in Janesville told The Whitewater Banner that for an Amazon return with a QR code, the customer is not able to drop the package off anywhere other than a UPS Store. In some cases for an Amazon return, the customer is to create an address label with a bar code, and those packages may be dropped off elsewhere. Also, the Shipping Depot in Elkhorn indicates that they are able to assist a customer with a QR for a postage-paid Amazon return to jump through the hoops for them to create their label for the package for a $1 fee.
United States Post Office, 213 W. Center Street Only USPS shipping. Envelopes and boxes are available for sale.
Walgreens, 1041 W. Main Street Only FedEx shipping Drop off: Customer must bring the package labeled and prepaid. For retail returns, they prefer that the customer have the label, but with the QR code they can usually provide one. FedEx picks up parcels Mon-Fri at 3 p.m.
The Shipping Depot 58 W. Market St., Elkhorn (Next to Taste of China) Offers packing service, sells envelopes and boxes. Will assist a customer in obtaining the necessary label for an Amazon return for $1. Ships by DHL (international), FedEx, UPS, USPS. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The store also offers mailboxes and shredding.
The UPS Store 2811 Milton Ave., Janesville Offers packing service, sells envelopes and boxes. Will provide a label for an Amazon return with QR code at no cost; depending upon what is indicated with the code, the store will accept the return with no box or, if needed, can provide and pack the box for a charge. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Editor’s note: Any readers having further information about mailing services is requested to email us at whitewaterbanner@gmail.com so that we may update this information.
Native Seed Restoration of Paradise Springs Made Possible by the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund Grant
The native seed restoration of Paradise Springs is made possible by the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund Grant awarded to the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit by the National Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
The Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit (KMSFSU) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation of the cultural and natural history of the KMSFSU. To preserve, restore, and support the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the friends group partners with DNR staff and volunteers to complete projects and special initiatives, sponsor recreation and education, and raise funds.
The Friends of the KMSFSU applied for the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund Grant earlier this year. The C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund was established by the National Resources Foundation of Wisconsin to invest in grassroots conservation and education projects that benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife, and that connect people to Wisconsin’s natural resources. The one-to-one matching grants range from $500 to $2,000.
Lindsey Taylor, Conservation Coordinator with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, shares, “Restoring natural communities that are accessible for visitors to experience and enjoy is a win-win for conservation. This project at Paradise Springs forwards the mission of NRF in one of our state’s most important landscapes.”
The grant will enable the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit – Wisconsin DNR to restore native vegetation and remove invasive species to enhance the visitor experience along the Paradise Springs accessible paved path. The project entails a herbicide treatment in the summer of 2025, a controlled burn followed by native plant seed in the fall of 2025, and a follow-up herbicide spot spray in the spring of 2026.
Paradise Springs is one of the most popular attractions in the KMSFSU. The 1⁄2 mile Paradise Spring Nature Trail travels to the Fieldstone Spring House, former resort hotel, dam, and former trout holding tank. It is one of the most highly visited areas within the unit due to its beauty, the trail accessibility and length, and the historical features such as the Spring House and Spillway.
Anne Korman, President of the Friends of the KMSFSU, shares, “Securing funding through grants such as the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund allows the Friends of the KMSFSU to continue the important work we have supported at the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit since the formation of the Friends Group. Restoration of native prairies and historical sites within the forest boundary has been a top priority for our group, and this grant funding is going to allow us to make improvements to one of the most popular locations within the forest.”
The Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting a greater appreciation of the cultural and natural history of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit. For more information, visit https://www.kmsufriends.org/
Editor’s note: This press release was received from Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit.
Marilyn May (Kvale) Smith, 92, of Whitewater passed away at home on Tuesday, October 30, 2024.
She was born on the family dairy farm in Hampden Township. Marilyn was the daughter of the late Theodore and Viola (Fahrenkopf) Kvale. She walked several miles to Nelson one room Schoolhouse grade school for eight years. Marilyn attended Columbus High School and graduated in 1950. Following graduation from high school, she attended Madison Vocational School in Madison. She held jobs in Madison and Milwaukee. While in Madison, Marilyn met William J. Smith of New Glarus. They were united in marriage on November 14, 1953 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. After they were married, they made their home in New Glarus, where they started their family. They lived in New Glarus until Bill took a job in Whitewater in 1962 and it was there the family became complete. Marilyn held many jobs one of which was working at Sears in Whitewater and later at Nasco in Fort Atkinson. Marilyn’s most important job was that of mom, which gave her the most joy.
She had a kind and loving spirit and will be deeply missed. Marilyn loved birds of the air and flowers in the garden. Most of all she liked nature and long walks (hikes) through the prairie and her beloved marshland. There wasn’t a tree mom didn’t love.
Marilyn was a long-time member of First English Lutheran church in Whitewater. She grew much strength and comfort through her life long faith in the church and in Jesus Christ her savior.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Karla (Charles) Jacobson of Whitewater, Joan Smith Schenning of Whitewater, Nancy Smith of Whitewater, Brian Smith of Whitewater; daughter-in-law, Gail Smith of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren, Mindy (Dusty) Jones of Whitewater, Nathan (Carly) Jacobson of Janesville, Jessica (Nathan) Belz of Amery, Evan (Becca) Smith of Lakeville, MN, and Alex Hansen of Oshkosh; 9 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William J. Smith; son, Richard William Smith; sister, JoAnn (Donald) Johnson; and brothers, Donald (Esther) Kvale, and Richard (Ruby) Kvale.
A funeral service will take place at 11AM on Monday, November 4, 2024 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater. A visitation will take place from 9AM until the time of service. Burial will follow immediately after services at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
