News

Come join us on Sunday, October 27 at the Lions Club – N7462 Kettle Moraine Drive from 7 am to 11 am.

We will be serving, scrambled eggs, fluffy pancakes, and our world famous sausage. We are featuring Whitewater’s Own Nordskov Coffee as well as OJ and milk.

It is a free will donation and we will also have a 50/50 raffle as well as some secondary prizes courtesy of Staller Winery.

As always, the Lions Club accepts used eyeglasses, hearing aids and ink cartridges. We also have bins around the area for your deer hides; please ask us where they are located.

Zoheb Rakhangi, a WHS graduate who is studying Information Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been named a Launch Pad Scholar for the fall 2024 semester.

The UW-Whitewater Launch Pad program is a startup accelerator focused on helping students launch new companies and nonprofits.

The program consists of weekly student meetings, 1-on-1 coaching, office space at the Whitewater Innovation Center, preparation for pitch competitions and more. Launch Pad is open to all UW-Whitewater undergraduate and graduate students regardless of major. Students have the option to earn up to three elective College of Business and Economics credits.

The program directors are Dave Gee, a lecturer and UW-Whitewater graduate, and William Dougan, a professor. Both are faculty members in the College of Business and Economics’ Department of Management.

Visit uwwlaunchpad.org to learn more.

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

A number of communities in south central 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 27 from 1-4 p.m., Palmyra’s on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., and Jefferson’s on Saturday from 2-5 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. Again this year the hours will be 4-7 p.m.

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!

Ghoul’s Night Out is on Thursday, October 24, 2024. See this article for details.

Big Money in Politics – A Continued Threat to Women’s Economic Equity, and More
Speaker: George Penn, United to Amend  
Sponsored by AAUW [American Association of University Women] Janesville

Money in politics threatens democracy and our financial security.  Learn about a grassroots movement to reform campaign finance, increase representation in government, prioritize problem solving, and restore political morality.

Tuesday, October 22 – 6:30 pm
Woman’s Club, 108 S. Jackson St., Janesville
Click here for Zoom at 6:30

AAUW meetings are open to the public. Visit aauw-janesville.net for more information.

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

Lutherdale, a summer camp and year-round conference and retreat center, is thrilled to announce its 80th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone marks eight decades of faith, fellowship, and community service. Lutherdale was established on the Lauderdale Lakes in 1944, and is excited to announce a communitywide event to celebrate 80 years of business in the Walworth County & Elkhorn area community, as well as 80 years of impacting youth and families across the region.

The Fall Festival will take place on October 26, 2024 with events throughout the day with events concluding at 4 pm. Event highlights include:

• Lutherdale Harvest Hustle- kicking off at 9:00 am, this fall fun run with courses of either 5K or 1 mile (or virtually) with proceeds to benefit future campers at Lutherdale’s programs
• Pancake Breakfast
• Pumpkin Patch
• Silent Auction
• Food Trucks
• Live Music
• Family fun activities throughout the day

About Lutherdale: Founded in 1944, Lutherdale has been a beacon of spiritual growth and community engagement. Over the years, it has provided countless individuals with opportunities for retreat, reflection, and renewal.

Support Lutherdale: As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to support our mission. Your generous donations help us continue providing impactful programs and maintaining our beautiful facilities. To make a donation, please visit our website at
www.lutherdale.org/donate or contact Rhonda VanAntwerp at rhonda@lutherdale.org or 262-742-2352.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support and love from our community over the past 80 years,” said Tracy Polzin, Executive Director of Lutherdale. “This celebration is not just about our history, but also about looking forward to the future with hope and excitement.”

For more information, please visit our website at www.lutherdale.org or contact Tracy Polzin at tracy@lutherdale.org or (262) 742-2352. To sign up for the Harvest Hustle, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Elkhorn/Lutherdale

Local Celtic music group The Bog Bodies will be performing at The Wright House on October 25 at 7 pm. Made up of local musicians who celebrate their love for traditional Celtic music, The Bog Bodies seek to share some spookier tunes and tales that are sure to delight and fright! Terry Maloney is the heartbeat of the group, beating the dead goat of the bodhrán and whacking away on a casket-like cajon. His thuds and throbs root the music in its ancient past, while he impresses with his animated playing. Joining the thrum are the wild rhythms of open-tuned guitar and the tinkling, tipping, and rolling of fae-ful spoons in the hands of Andreas Transø. And upon opening his mouth, ancient songs and narrations swarm the senses, bathing all in the old style song and tale-telling passed down through generations of Andreas’ family. Driving the dance tunes are the unruly trinity of Alerdale, Pat, and Sarah, whose infectious melodies cause toes to move, feet to stomp, and thighs to be slapped. Lifting and lilting melodies that bring forth life! A music educator by day, Alerdale “The Hair” Wimer is truly a mad fiddler by night. He is known for his bouncing curls, which captivate with hypnotic effect, and many a young musician has been electrified by and lured into the traditional music scene as a result. And while local crafter and fiber artist Sarah Weh doubles on fiddle and squeeze box, too, she breathes life into the music, and it is with a bow possessed by restless spirits and fingers faster than a witch’s broomstick that she summons tunes that could even wake the dead. The ensemble is punctuated by poet and professor “The Mighty” Patrick Moran on cittern and octave mandolin. So many strings weaving harmonies and melodies, launching the music ever upwards in its search to break free of its bonds, to reach beyond. Music in movement so powerful, in texture so graceful…such like the clouds dragging across the moon. From ancient memory to fresh life, The Bog Bodies offer an exciting experience of music and community for all who dare fancy a bit of the craic. Register on Eventbrite: https://bogbodies.eventbrite.com Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Sarah Beth Nelson.

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action for hiring a woodworker and mobile mill to create a piece
of furniture from the oak tree that was removed from library property.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
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:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84266679041?pwd=HXduISzqV50LTN7OZMbar26Fo3j7XP.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Meeting ID: 842 6667 9041
Passcode: ps2hG2vK

City of Whitewater Public Art Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Update 10/21 @ 9:20 a.m. – This meeting has been canceled due to lack of a quorum.

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Paid Parental Leave Discussion, Pregnancy Fairness Policy, Bring your baby to work policy, AI policy draft, Bring your own device policy, Discussion regarding parking violation fee increase.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86340589966
Or One tap mobile :
+13126266799,,86340589966# US (Chicago)
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 863 4058 9966

City of Whitewater Special Meeting of Finance Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2025 draft budget review (2 of 3), PT IT tech position.
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.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85319530987
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
1 312 626 6799 US
Webinar ID: 853 1953 0987

In-Person Absentee Voting begins October 22nd thru November 1st.

City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater St., 2nd Floor, Administration Window

Please see specific times for each day below:

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Thursday, October 24th, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Friday, October 25th, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday, October 26th, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Monday, October 28th, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 – 8:00 am-6:30 pm
Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Thursday, October 31st, 2024 – 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Friday, November 1st, 2024 – 8:00 am-5:00 pm

DROP BOX INFORMATION
Whitewater Municipal Building
312 W. Whitewater St.
9/19/24 – 11/5/24
Last pickup on election day is 8:00 p.m.
Drop box is located in the entryway on the Whitewater St. entrance. Please use the box that is labeled “Absentee ballots only.”

NOVEMBER 5^TH, 2024 – GENERAL ELECTION
Voting Hours – 7 am-8 pm

Polling Locations:

The Armory, 146 W. North St.
WARDS: 1-7 and 11-12

UW – Whitewater
The University Center
190 Hamilton Green Way
Hamilton Room
WARDS: 8-10 and 13

Any Absentee Ballots being returned on Election Day MUST be returned to the Municipal Building, Council Chambers

This website allows you to do the following:

• Check your current registration information
• Update your name and address
• Request an absentee ballot
• Find your elected officials
• Track your absentee ballot
• View a list of elections you have voted in
• Find your polling place
• See what will be on your ballot
• Register to vote
  

Get ready for another spooktacular evening of family fun! Downtown Whitewater, Inc. and the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce their annual Ghoul’s Night Out on Thursday, October 24th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. This community-wide event promises a night of Halloween festivities for all ages.

Citywide Trick-or-Treating
Kids can put on their costumes and head out for citywide trick-or-treating! 30+ local businesses will be ready with candy and spooky surprises for all the little ghouls and goblins.

Halloween Symbols Scavenger Hunt
Explore downtown with our Halloween Symbols Scavenger Hunt! Keep an eye out for hidden Halloween symbols scattered throughout 12 participating businesses for a chance to win some eerie-sistible prizes. You can grab instructions and forms at participating businesses or the Discover Whitewater office at 150 W Main St. starting Monday, October 21st.

Non Brick & Mortar Businesses at the Community Engagement Center (CEC)
The fun doesn’t stop in town! Visit the Community Engagement Center (CEC), where non brick-and-mortar businesses will set up booths filled with games, treats, and activities. Make sure to check out the Booth Decorating Contest and vote for your favorite spooky setup.

Costume Contest
Bring your costumed self to the CEC for a chance to win a prize in the Costume Contest! Dress to impress in your most creative, scary, or fun costume and compete against other local ghosts and ghouls.

Whether you’re trick-or-treating, hunting for Halloween symbols, or playing games throughout town, Ghoul’s Night Out is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. Bring the whole family for a night of treats, fun, and festive frights!

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Citywide & Community Engagement Center (CEC)

Questions? Contact Director of Content & Communications, Katy Wimer, at dwwchamber@gmail.com. Visit the event on Facebook for a list of participating businesses, a map, and further details: www.facebook.com/share/v9AFRfUwCNKx3SWy/

The Discover Whitewater Team (Tourism, Chamber, & Downtown Whitewater, Inc) brings business owners and the community together through events and promotions. We are dedicated to keeping Whitewater as the perfect place to live, learn, work, play and dream through the support and encouragement of local community members.

[Trick or Treat in Whitewater is always on Halloween, so Thursday the 31st from 4-7 p.m.]

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