News

Expressive Explorations Photography Exhibition

Exhibit: January 30 – February 23, 2025, Cultural Arts Center Gallery

Reception: Saturday, February 8, 1 pm-3 pm, Light refreshments will be served.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition, “Expressive Explorations,” showcasing the work of three photographic artists: Tim Holte, Katy Daixon Wimer, and Jeff McDonald. This exhibition will be on display from January 30 to February 23, 2025, at the Cultural Arts Center. A special reception will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 1 pm-3 pm, where attendees can meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

This exhibition is part of WAA’s 20th-year celebration, marking two decades of artistic enrichment in the Whitewater community.

Katy Daixon Wimer, Operations & Events Coordinator for the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce and a dedicated WAA board member, is a southern Wisconsin soul dweller, poet, and photographer. She is passionate about reconnecting people to themselves and the natural world through her art. Katy’s work captures the essence of her surroundings and aims to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. More about Katy can be found at katydaixon.net.

With over 40 years of experience, Tim Holte captures the essence of light and shadow in his photography, each image serving as a reminder of the past. Tim’s work allows him to express feelings that seldom surface, offering a unique perspective on the world around us. His photography is a testament to his appreciation of light and its interplay with shadows. To explore his photographic journey, visit timholtephotos.com.

Jeff McDonald‘s photography has been awarded medals in international exhibitions in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Serving as President of the WAA, McDonald is a seasoned business professional with degrees in Music and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He has been a vital part of the Whitewater Arts Alliance since 2014, contributing as Treasurer and currently as President. Jeff has chaired the Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition for 11 years. His work reflects his deep commitment to the arts and his professional expertise. Discover more about Jeff’s work at jmacpix.com.

The Whitewater Arts Alliance invites you to experience the expressive works of these talented artists. Join us in celebrating 20 years of artistic excellence and community engagement.

Grace Alderman, from Whitewater, was named to the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Dean’s List for the 2024 Fall Semester. Alderman is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

MSOE encourages excellence in academic achievement and, as a result, publishes the Dean’s List and Honors List each fall and spring semester. Students taking undergraduate courses who have earned at least 12 credits in residence at MSOE, are in good academic standing, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher are on the Dean’s List. Students on that list who have maintained a 3.70 or higher receive “high honors.” Students with a term GPA of 3.20 or higher, who are not on the Dean’s List, are on the Honors List.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (www.msoe.edu) is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors and challenge them to go beyond what’s possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.

From Tom Ganser: Contrails at sunrise on January 17, 2025.

Our thanks to Tom Ganser for sharing another interesting photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

The City of Whitewater Common Council approved an increase in the fine for parking tickets to $40 instead of $20 effective 12:01 a.m. on February 1, 2025. Motorists forgetting to move their vehicle off the street this Friday night will be at risk of being cited with that costly violation, as will, for example, anyone not noticing a “No parking this side of street” sign.

Winter “no parking” hours went into effect at 2 a.m. on November 1. Through March 31, 2025, it is illegal to park vehicles on any city street between 2-6 a.m. The only exceptions are (a) Physicians on a house call (how often does that happen now?), (b) Parking is permitted in the downtown parking area after 5 a.m., and (c) By special advance arrangement with the public works director. Violations may subject the vehicle owner not only to the fine but also the possibility of the vehicle being towed, resulting in additional expenses.

The fine for using a parking space that is reserved for persons with disabilities without having a permit is $80.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.

Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from an article that was published on the UW-Whitewater website. This Banner article highlights Katie Kuznacic’s recognition. Another Banner article will feature the recognition of Glenn Hayes.

Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner, Finn Hartnett

Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater family — each known for their passion, energy and commitment — earned spots on the BizTimes Media 2025 Notable Leaders in Higher Education list.

Glenn “Doc” Hayes, a champion of music and cornerstone of the university’s College of Arts and Communication, and Katie Kuznacic, a campus leader and productive fundraiser, were recognized by the publication as leaders in higher education in Southeastern Wisconsin.

“Doc and Katie are great representatives of our university. They are passionate and caring leaders, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” Chancellor Corey King said. “They embody what we describe as Warhawk Bold in their spaces, and have each demonstrated their positive impact well beyond campus.”

Kuznacic making big strides in philanthropy, alumni engagement

Kuznacic started working in philanthropy and alumni engagement at UW-Whitewater in 2010. She currently serves as the vice chancellor for university relations and president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation and is a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet leadership team.

Since starting in her position in 2023, Kuznacic has organized strategic collaboration and thought leadership with internal and external stakeholders to provide support for the student experience. Working with her university relations team, she has secured several six- and seven-figure gift commitments, leading to a record-breaking fundraising performance during the most recent fiscal year. Kuznacic also leads a highly engaged, supportive Foundation Board.

“I’d like to thank the BizTimes for this wonderful recognition and Will Broussard, vice chancellor of university advancement at UW-Stevens Point, for submitting the nomination,” Kuznacic said. “I’m privileged to work with talented, passionate people — including students, faculty, staff and alumni — at UW-Whitewater on a daily basis. It’s an incredible honor to be on this prestigious list.”

Kuznacic obtained a $2 million endowed faculty chair last fall, a gift that will support UW-Whitewater faculty in the enhancement of student opportunities that positively affect Wisconsin’s economy. She is currently planning a minimum $50 million fundraising campaign set to launch this year.

“Since Katie’s arrival nearly 15 years ago, the UW-Whitewater Foundation has made huge strides in fundraising to support student success priorities and initiatives. It is a privilege to work with someone who is so passionate about the university and the student experience,” said Sandy Dunst, chair of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board and 1979 graduate with a BBA in accounting. “Last year alone, under her leadership, the foundation provided over $3.5 million in impact to the university, including over $1.3 million in scholarships.”

Kuznacic, who earned both a B.A. in speech and public relations and a Master of Business Administration from UW-Whitewater, is a member of the Janesville Lions Club. She has spoken at the Wisconsin Research Administrators Network Symposium and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from a much longer Milwaukee Journal Sentinel front page article published on January 30. It appears that the article may not be behind a paywall.

Whitewater again finds itself the center of immigration, deportation spotlight

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Sophie Carson   Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

When Jorge Islas-Martinez first started getting calls from community members that federal immigration officers were conducting raids Thursday in his longtime home of Whitewater, he went out to try to find them.

After two hours, he phoned someone he’s close with to report there was no sign of any raids.

They asked: So it’s OK to turn the lights back on?

Islas-Martinez, a native of Mexico, is a fierce advocate for Whitewater’s Latino population. The symbolism behind the question struck him. Fear forces immigrants, even those legally in the U.S., to live in darkness, he said.

The next day, the situation slowly clarified. There were not raids in Whitewater.

It appears that officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, visited a person’s home and workplace in the area, but left without finding them. That’s according to Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Milwaukee immigrant advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, whose staff spoke to the person’s relative.

The rumor in the first week of President Donald Trump’s administration rattled Whitewater, a small community that’s been been in the national spotlight for the past year over its influx of mostly Nicaraguan migrants. And it exposed the substantial challenges ahead for cities of all sizes: discerning fact from fiction on the fly, and keeping residents’ trust in local law enforcement, even as federal agents carry out Trump’s promise of mass deportations.

“It’s not easy to be living like this,” Islas-Martinez said. “You cannot enjoy what freedom is.” …..

Marjorie Stoneman, the co-founder of the group Whitewater Unites Lives, said she was alarmed by what she heard through the grapevine. “But it must be absolutely terrifying for others” who could be personally affected by immigration enforcement, she said……

The incident also crystallized the challenge of verifying reports of immigration enforcement operations, and the delicate balance advocates face in deciding how to share them without stirring up unnecessary fear.

Voces de la Frontera is weighing all of that. Its emergency hotline got about a half-dozen calls about ICE in the Whitewater and Fort Atkinson areas last Thursday. It announced on Facebook that agents were “approaching homes and a factory” in the two cities. Over 1,400 people shared the post. Voces staff was able to confirm only that agents searched for one person and left without finding them……

With the threat of deportation looming, the best thing immigrant communities can do, right now, is understand their rights and prepare for what could happen, Islas-Martinez said. He is holding know-your-rights workshops in Whitewater and surrounding towns……

For some local law enforcement officials, the ICE operation in Whitewater was a preview of the uncomfortable position they may soon find themselves in…..

Whitewater Police Chief Daniel Meyer said his department will assist ICE if requested.

“That said, our preference is to have as little active participation in ICE operations as possible,” he said in a statement to the Journal Sentinel. “Our role as local law enforcement is not, and never will be, immigration enforcement.” ……

UW-Oshkosh Fall 2024 Dean’s List, Honor Roll released

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean’s List and Honor Roll in fall 2024 across its Oshkosh and Fox Cities campuses.

The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean’s List is 3.75, out of a possible 4.0.

To qualify, a student must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. There can be no individual grades below a “C” and no incomplete or non-reported grades at the time the process is run.

Whitewater, WI

 Martin Gonzalez, Honor Roll
 Jayden Hawkins, Honor Roll
 Allison Martens, Honor Roll

United Way of Walworth County Announces Opening of ARPA “Aid to Nonprofits” Round 6 Grant Applications

United Way of Walworth County would like to announce the opening of applications for the ARPA “Aid to Nonprofits” Round 6, effective at 12:00 p.m. Central Time on January 25th, 2025. The application period will close on February 28th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time.

This grant funding is available to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations in Walworth County. Organizations may apply for assistance of up to $9,000 to support their operations and initiatives.

To apply, please visit our website at unitedwaywalworth.org, navigate to the “More” section, and click on “ARPA Grant” for further details and to complete your application.

I am excited to continue supporting the vital work of nonprofits and veterans’ organizations in our community through this funding opportunity,

Brian Holt, Executive Director of United Way of Walworth County.

We encourage eligible organizations to apply before the deadline to ensure they have the chance to benefit from this much-needed assistance.

For any questions or additional information, please contact United Way of Walworth County. Email: director@unitedwaywalworth.org
Phone: 2623744474

Whitewater Housing Crunch: Expert Discussions Coming Soon!

Whitewater is facing a critical housing shortage, and we’re bringing in top experts to discuss the challenges and solutions. Tune in to these upcoming meetings to learn how housing impacts our economy, workforce, and future growth.

February 20 – Common Council Meeting @ 6:30 PM

Derek D’Auria, Executive Director of Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA)

Topic: How housing availability affects business development and workforce retention in Whitewater and Walworth County.

March 4 – Common Council Meeting @ 6:30 PM

Professor Kurt Paulsen, UW-Madison (Expert in housing policy, land use, and municipal finance)

Topic: Statewide housing trends and what they mean for Whitewater.

Why does this matter?

Single-family rentals: Nearly nonexistent

50%+ of renters are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing

Watch our new housing video and learn more about what’s being done to address Whitewater’s housing crisis. https://youtu.be/Znzd_eeJwWI?si=2vMKufp3dWX-uYuY

Let’s have a fact-based conversation about housing solutions that work for our community! Join us at these meetings or watch live online.