10-27-24
Steve Watson writes, “Wisconsin St. by the scenic overlook.
While trying to figure out what hawk this is sitting on the pole….. (continued)

….this eagle came by with breakfast….. (continued)

….landing on the next pole, and a crow doing a flyby.”

1-2-25
A lone eagle looking for food.
The skate park trees offer no solitude.
A murder of crows lingers above.
Among eagles and crows there is no love.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more beautiful nature photos and a nice poem.

— 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!

A National Day of Mourning will be observed on Thursday for Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at 100 years old.

In a proclamation after Mr. Carter’s death, President Biden called him “a man of character, courage, and compassion.”

In announcing the day of mourning, he said: “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”

The day of mourning will be held on the same day as Mr. Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Biden will deliver a eulogy at the funeral, and a eulogy written by Gerald R. Ford, who died in 2006, will be read by his son Steven Ford.

Post offices will be closed, and no mail will be delivered on Thursday due to the National Day of Mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter.

U.S. stock markets will also be closed.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage from The Carter Center.

State of Our Community – Whitewater City and Schools Addresses

The League of Women Voters Whitewater-Area is excited to host its annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the City of Whitewater Council Chambers (Community Room), 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.  The Council Chambers are located on the first floor of Whitewater City Hall, 312 W Whitewater St.

Presenters are Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, and UW Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King. Each speaker will have the opportunity to share information on the condition of their area(s) of responsibilities. Audience members will be invited to ask each speaker questions following their presentation. 

The presentations are a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn what is happening in our community as 2025 starts.  Please plan to join us for this informative presentation.  Light refreshments will be served.

_____________________________________

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!

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spring Splash Task Force Report, First reading of an ordinance reducing the speed on Starin Road between Prairie Street and Prince Street, First reading of an Ordinance adding stop signs on Starin Road at Prince Street and
Warhawk Drive, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Stop Here for Pedestrian Signs and Speed Bumps
on Starin Road, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Public Safety Referendum Question. CLOSED SESSION, TO RECONVENE: Offer to Purchase a 10.96 acre parcel of vacant land (Tax Parcel No. /A444200001) and Potential development of 67-acre parcel of vacant land.
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/81961659332?pwd=hGn1C8KPkvTgrD5qSOiB9gWGZt9pfE.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 819 6165 9332
Passcode: 878627

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on Education of Possible City of Whitewater Trippe and
Cravath Lake District
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271751846?pwd=S76ziM56Bz6TUijjvaUSSkPCo6MRIp.1
Meeting ID: 842 7175 1846
Passcode: 701407
Or dial

• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of posting for call for artists.
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 join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/604676365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 604-676-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Special Meeting – Friday @ 2:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion of policies and possible criteria at the Innovation Center, Discussion of housing goals, Discussion of goals and objectives for downtown revitalization.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87483083723?pwd=rb4VuPZyN3YRmiqQhttXyHH4dqQbGt.1
Phone: 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Webinar ID: 874 8308 3723 Passcode: 211541
Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,87483083723#,,,,211541# US
+13092053325,,87483083723#,,,,*211541# US

The city portion of the April ballot has now been finalized. There will be additional “outside” races, yet to be announced, including a seat on the State Supreme Court. There will not be a primary on February 18 for local races but may be for other races.

City of Whitewater Common Council

Four City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, filed for candidacy by the January 7 deadline:

District 1 (Currently represented by Patrick Singer)
Michael E. Smith, 327 E. Clay Street, #29
J. Christopher Wilt, 334 Parkside Drive

District 3 (Currently represented by Brienne Brown)
Steven Sahyun, 250 N. Franklin Street

District 5
Neil Hicks, 1254 Tower Hill Pass (incumbent)

At-large (Currently represented by Lisa Dawsey Smith)
Patrick Singer, 263 Amber Drive

Whitewater Unified School District School Board

Two school board seats are up for election. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, filed for candidacy by the January 7 deadline.

Miguel Aranda (incumbent)
Nick Baldwin
Jennifer Kienbaum (incumbent)
Wayne Redenius

The first annual Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown, scheduled for January 26 at Lake Lawn Resort, will feature eight teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs, including a team of two students from Whitewater High School. Molly Donner and Kevin Gonzalez will be working alongside chefs from The Abbey Resort!

Registrants will sample two dishes from eight pro/am teams:

• Team #1: Delavan-Darien High School + Delavan Lake Yacht Club
• Team #2: Elkhorn Area High School + Lake Lawn Resort
• Team #3: Badger High School + Jonathan’s
• Team #4: Whitewater High School + The Abbey Resort
• Team #5: Bigfoot High School + Geneva National Resort
• Team #6: Williams Bay High School + Oakfire
• Team #7: Career & College Academy of Elkhorn + Pier 290
• Team #8: East Troy High School + East Troy Brewery

—-
In order to attend and sample the dishes, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

$20 – Individual Registration (Noon-2:30 pm)
$35 – Individual VIP hour, 11am – Noon (Beat the crowd and enjoy tasting among a small group prior to the opening of the event.)

Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/culinaryshowdown25

SD 15 All-district Legislators: Pictured left to right is Rep. Clinton Anderson (AD-44), Rep. Brienne Brown (AD-43), Rep. Ann Roe (AD-45), and Senator Mark Spreitzer (SD-15).

Sen. Spreitzer and Staff: Pictured left to right is Katie Iliff, Senator Mark Spreitzer, Eleanor (Ellie) Thorman, Dylan Moffitt, and Doug Hyant.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer Announces Committee Assignments and Legislative Staff as 2025-2026 Legislative Session Begins

MADISON – State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) announced his committee assignments and legislative staff as the 2025-2026 legislative session began at the State Capitol. Senator Spreitzer was elected to a four-year term in 2022, and represents communities in Rock, Jefferson, and Walworth Counties – including six cities, two villages, and twenty-one towns. Senator Spreitzer serves as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

“I am proud to serve as your State Senator, and I look forward to continuing to work for the people of our district and our state,” said Sen. Spreitzer. “It was wonderful to watch the six new members of the Senate Democratic Caucus be sworn in today, and I am incredibly excited to begin this legislative session with a much larger and more diverse caucus. As your State Senator and as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on issues that matter most to Wisconsinites and our district. Together, we can move Wisconsin forward.” 

Sen. Spreitzer will serve on three committees during the 2025-2026 legislative session. He has been appointed the ranking Democratic member on the Committee on Government Operations, Labor, and Economic Development. Sen. Spreitzer will also serve on the Committee on Transportation and Local Government, and the Committee on Agriculture and Revenue. 

“I look forward to serving on these committees in the new legislative session,” said Sen. Spreitzer. “I was proud of our bipartisan work together during the 2023-2024 legislative session – including new state laws to improve election administration, to invest in local communities, and to support our farmers and protect our environment. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues that matter to the people of our state. As we begin the new legislative session, I will fight to ensure that we invest in the people and priorities of our district.”

Senator Spreitzer also announced his legislative office staff for the 2025-2026 session:

Doug Hyant will continue to serve as the Senator’s Chief of Staff. Doug has worked for Senator Spreitzer since 2019, including two sessions in the State Assembly. Prior to working in the state legislature, Doug worked as the Executive Director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. Doug lives on Madison’s West Side with his wife, Molly, and their two cats, Chickadee and Brig. 

Eleanor (Ellie) Thorman will serve as the Senator’s Policy Director. Ellie has worked for State Senator Jeff Smith, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, and the State Senate Democratic Committee. Ellie lives in Madison with her cat, Rosie.

Katie Iliff will serve as the Senator’s Communications and Outreach Director. Katie has worked for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the State Senate Democratic Committee, and Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling. Katie lives in Madison with her husband and their two cats, Cirilla and Franklin.

Dylan Moffitt will continue to serve as the Senator’s Constituent Services Director. Dylan has worked for Senator Spreitzer since 2024. Prior to working in the state legislature, Dylan worked as a management analyst for the Village of Machesney Park in Illinois. Dylan lives in Madison with his cat, Cali. 

Senator Spreitzer’s Capitol office is located in Room 108 South of the State Capitol. He can be reached by email at Sen.Spreitzer@legis.wisconsin.gov, by phone at (608) 266-2253, on social media on X.com/SenSpreitzer and Facebook.com/SenSpreitzer, and on his website www.SenSpreitzer.com. 

Editor’s note: As a result of the 2023 redistricting, the entire Whitewater area, with the exception of the town of LaGrange, will be in Senate District 15, which will be served by Mark Spreitzer beginning on January 6, 2025. Spreitzer was sworn in as a senator in 2023, having been in the Assembly since 2015, where he was Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-22. In a previous article, The Whitewater Banner erroneously indicated that Steve Nass would continue to represent Whitewater until January 2027. It turns out, however, that the new districts are becoming effective now, even though some senators are in the middle of their terms. Nass will continue to represent the town of LaGrange.

Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits in January 2025

More than half of Walworth County Homes Tested for Radon in 2024 had Higher Levels than the EPA Deems Safe

Walworth County Health and Human Services is pleased to announce a special promotion in January 2025, offering radon test kits for $5 with a non-perishable food item donation. This offer is limited to one test kit per person. [In response to The Whitewater Banner’s question about eligibility of Jefferson County residents to participate in the program, Health Officer Erica Bergstrom indicated that “it is not limited to only Walworth County residents.” Consequently, it seems clear that both Jefferson and Rock County residents could participate.]

Testing is offered locally through the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center, funded through a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant. Normally, the cost is $15 per kit. Food donations will be distributed through the Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity.

Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.

The test kit includes a small vial that must be left open to the air in the lowest livable level of a home for two to three days. The vial should then be capped and mailed to Accustar Labs, which generally provides the results within a few days via mail, email, or telephone. Shipping and analysis of the kit are included in the $5 price.

The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable starting January 2, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Cash and check payments only.

The County encourages all residents whose homes have not yet been tested for radon to take advantage of this special offer. Those whose homes test at an elevated level of radon are urged to contact the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center for information about mitigation options.

For more information about the promotion or to learn more about radon testing, please contact Walworth County Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health at (262) 741-3140, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, or visit us online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Walworth County Public Health. The following is a press release on the same subject from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Schools to Test for Radon

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking

Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, can seep into homes through their foundation and be deadly at high levels. In Wisconsin, 1 in 10 homes has elevated levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and approximately 962 Wisconsinites have radon-induced lung cancer. Fortunately, radon is easy to test for and leaks can be fixed. This National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging home and building owners, and schools, to understand their risk and test their buildings for radon.

“Knowing about radon and testing radon levels in your home can save lives,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “In Wisconsin, we have 17 Radon Information Centers around the state where experts are available to answer your questions and offer low-cost test kits. Indoor radon levels tend to increase during the colder months, so now is the perfect time to test your home or building for radon if you haven’t before.”

While radon can affect anyone, children are generally considered to be more sensitive compared to adults due to their smaller lung sizes and faster breathing rates. Along with encouraging testing at home, Wisconsin continues to take steps to improve testing in spaces where children spend significant amounts of time. In March 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) enacted rule changes which require licensed childcare providers to test for radon and install a mitigation system if radon levels exceed the EPA action level. In addition, DHS recommends that all schools test for radon at least once every five years or upon completion of any major renovations.

“Since the DCF rule went into effect, 41 childcare centers across Wisconsin have mitigated high radon, protecting over 820 children enrolled in care from exposure to high radon levels,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Preventing exposure to high radon in places where kids spend a lot of time is a significant way to reduce their overall exposure to radon.”

Reduced-cost test kits are available to childcare providers and all Wisconsin residents through their regional Radon Information Center and test kit promotions are happening throughout January. The cost of mitigation can be a barrier for some families and businesses; Wisconsin residents can visit their Radon Information Center or speak with local public health department radon experts by calling 888 LOW-RADON to discuss available options.

Any house or building can be at risk for high radon levels, including apartments and commercial buildings. Landlords have a responsibility to provide safe living and working conditions to their tenants and should work with a certified radon testing or mitigation contractor to get started on addressing the issue for their tenants. DHS encourages homeowners and property owners to use a certified contractor and to locate one using resources available on the DHS How to Find a Contractor webpage.

More information can be found at lowradon.org.

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

WHS Winter Gala – December 11

WMS Choir – December 16